Two new publications by Salvationist authors highlight the importance of
seeking justice in local situations through community organising.
Marching Towards Justice: Community Organising and The Salvation
Army
This is a good introduction to community organising by Majors Kerry
& Nick Coke and Lieutenants John & Naomi Clifton. It is based on their
own experiences in Stepney and Ilford. It is a 48-page booklet divided into
three sections:
1. History. Examples of TSA's justice-seeking activities
in the past.
2. Methodology. An outline of the four steps for community
organising: visitation, power analysis, training & development, and public
action.
3. Stories. Examples of community organising by TSA in Ilford,
Stepney and Camberwell.
The document can be downloaded free here: http://www.theology-centre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Marching-Final.pdf
There
is also a blog associated with it: http://matchfactory.org/
Just
Mission: Practical Politics for Local Churches
This is written by Dr
Helen Cameron, Head of Public Affairs at THQ. It goes deeper and wider than
Marching Towards Justice and is a helpful handbook for anyone wishing to address
social justice issues in their community. It emphasises that justice-seeking
goes alongside evangelism and social action in the mission of God. It outlines
eight steps in the process of justice-seeking and includes helpful case
studies.
1. What is the burning issue?
2. Building the team
3.
Building the case for change
4. Engaging with the Christian tradition
5.
Identifying who you need to speak to and what you will ask
6. Making
contact
7. Amplifying your voice
8. Evaluating your impact
It is
not free - it costs £19.99 - but is a good investment! http://www.scmpress.co.uk/books/9780334052296/just-mission
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