Social Justice Ministry Gospel-Inspired Definition and FAQ

Social Justice Ministry - August Spotlight

Simply put, social justice is applying the Gospel narrative to public policy and, in doing so, advocating for the poor, the marginalized and the immigrant, for those in prison and those who are discriminated against because of race, color and creed. Social justice is the Sermon on the Mount applied to public policy in our everyday lives.

The UCC has a rich history in social justice, rooted in its merger of traditions that sought freedom and equality and leading to early stands against slavery (1700’s), ordaining the first Black (1785) and woman (1853) pastors. Our denomination champions civil rights, LGBTQ+ inclusion (first openly gay ordination, 1972), and racial/environmental justice. All are actions driven by a core belief that justice is central to faith, as seen in the “God is still speaking” motto.

Frequently Asked Questions—

1. Does the Social Justice Ministry (SJM) speak for St. Lucas UCC?

No, we offer opportunities to explore difficult, society-changing subjects. If there is a subject on which we choose to make a statement, we are speaking to and not for St. Lucas.

2. What kind of events has SJM sponsored?

Early on in 2015, we sponsored a viewing of the film Selma at Ronnie’s Cinema. Collectively, we supported an Afghan immigrant family and helped them adjust to life in St. Louis; some of us continue informally to do so. We have held organized forums on upcoming elections, the ArchCity Defenders of St. Louis, human trafficking, even prayer vigils about civil rights. Lately, SJM sponsored a Christian Nationalism forum featuring former UCC President Rev. John Dorhauer; the group maintains various bulletin board displays in the social hall on topics like Freedom to Read, Pride Month, and Urban Immersion for St. Lucas confirmands.

3. How is SJM related to our Mission and Outreach Ministry?

Both ministries reach beyond the walls of the church yet differ significantly in approach. Mission and Outreach works with organizations like Feed my People, Isaiah 58, Lydia’s House, and ECH. They help to feed the hungry, house the homeless, and welcome the stranger. SJM focuses on public policy which seeks to eradicate the root causes of poverty, homelessness, racial divides and other societal inequities. The work of SJM involves influencing our elected officials and public opinion, but at St. Lucas UCC, our approach is not tied to the Republican, Democratic or any other political party.

4. Who can be a part of the SJM team?

You can be a member. All St. Lucas UCC members are welcome to join this ministry. Currently, we have 15 members, who meet on the second Tuesday of every month on Zoom at 7:00 pm. The link for this meeting is listed in the St. Lucas church E-Blast the week before.

5. Can a member of the congregation who is not a member of SJM come to this group’s meetings?

All members of the congregation are welcome to attend the SJM meetings. Our pastors routinely meet with all groups, including the SJM.

We follow the By-Laws to the St. Lucas UCC Constitution: Part V, Membership, Paragraph C – Responsibilities of Members, which include “speak only for oneself, listen respectfully to the opinion of others, and to not in any way diminish or debase each other.”

6. What is St. Lucas UCC’s Social Justice mission statement?

*Recognize the historical and ongoing role of immigrants and their contributions to American culture.

*Recognize and reduce the bias relating to gender, national origin, skin color, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, wealth and religion in the U.S., and promote legal, economic and social equality.

*Be proactive in sharing these growing understandings with other members of the wider community, which is in keeping with the mission of the UCC.

7. What does the UCC have to say about Social Justice?

"Doing justice, seeking peace, and building community are central to the identity of the UCC. Our actions to create and foster economic, environmental, and racial justice are rooted in the teachings of scripture and the policies of the General Synod." (UCC website)

"In responding faithfully to God's call for abundant life for all people, a common life in which no one is left behind, we are drawn inevitably to engage in public policy advocacy. There is an inherent connection between the Gospel call to respond to the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, those in prison, and those who are sick--and the policy decisions that determine funding for

school meal programs, standards for clean air, soil and water, sentencing for nonviolent offenders, and health care access." (UCC website)