Advocacy

I often joke about my “justice crushes” -- the people I spy on, or listen to, or read about, whose work helps to remind me of why I’m a Christian, why it’s worth it to keep caring, why it feels right and good and hopeful to stay engaged in this hard work.

Alexia Salvatierra tops my list of “justice crushes” for sure.

It all started with a science experiment and a group of chicks.  I grabbed one chick and eyeballed it like I was a hungry hawk. When placed back in its box the chick played possum for about a minute seeking a way for self-preservation. Then back up the chick popped, demonstrating a cycle of fear and recovery.

I repeated the experiment, but this time with two chicks at the same time!  This time both chicks remained immobilized for about five minutes - another demonstration of the fear and recovery cycle.  

While COVID-19 has affected everyone deeply, immigrants and refugees to the United States are particularly vulnerable. Here are ten activities for you and your kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews to do during the pandemic!  How can we continue to learn, grow in our understanding, and support immigrants and refugees?

We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:22-25

I am a climate career professional - someone who works on climate advocacy and climate justice as a job, Monday through Friday, 9 to 5. It is my dream job. As part of my job, I work on mobilizing Christians to take faithful action in the public sphere in response to the climate crisis through storytelling, resourcing, opportunities to petition legislators on specific bills, and non-violent direct action. Almost every time I’m invited to speak on climate change, the question of how to stay hopeful emerges.

Note to readers: Due to our current circumstances, many immigration services and policies are being influenced by the Coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, we have split this post into Coronavirus-related updates, and regular immigration updates.

The various ministries of the Christian Reformed Church in North America strive to care for our vulnerable neighbors well.  During this time of COVID-19 there are many ways in which we, as people of faith, can continue the work of loving our neighbors.  In fact, many of you are likely taking steps to physically distance yourself as a current expression of love!  

Christians talk about our calling to be "good stewards of God's creation," but often we don't carry that commitment into the details of political policies. In today's world, there are urgent matters that demand our active stewardship.

We know that there is a season for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1).  And this season has been one of change and transition for the Office of Social Justice.  In our community it has created some rumours, questions, and concerns about our staffing and direction.  

For the past four months, the Office of Social Justice has published a blog entitled, “The Chipping Away of U.S. Legal Immigration,” an exhaustive list of policy changes and events that happened each month regarding the U.S. immigration system. Though necessary to stay informed, reading these blogs often leaves me feeling tired and hopeless. My job is to equip churches and church members to advocate for just systems that will contribute to human flourishing.