Social Justice

In the spring of 2009 the diaconate convened a special task force to help AHCC put the scriptural mandate to "do justice" into a current context. The so-called Social Justice Task Force was further challenged to translate the concluding sentence of AHCC's statement on diversity and inclusiveness into a concrete plan of action.  The statement reminds us that "our faith in Christ Jesus (…) calls us to challenge ourselves individually and as a congregation to overcome prejudice, injustice and exclusion."

•  The task force's recommendations were presented to the board of deacons in the fall.  Church leaders and task force members will be engaging an ever-expanding group of church members with an interest in social justice ministry in dialogue about how to move forward.

• It is likely that, per the task force's recommendations, a self-governing committee, open to anyone in the congregation, will be formed in 2010 to:

- "create opportunities for educating AHCC members and staff through forums, speakers, and dialogue with local community organizations and community leaders about the ways to change the course of social interaction"; and

- "strengthen and broaden our existing ministry of service by seeking and finding additional ways to put our faith into action."

Because the term "social justice" is easily politicized and potentially divisive - even the task force itself could not agree on what it is or what it means, though all members did agree quite readily that injustices abound in our society - the diaconate decided it is not a term that will be used to describe any official AHCC ministries or committees as we continue to move forward on this front.  Any new committee convened to focus in this area is expected to be called a Faith in Action Committee.

Explore the links from this page to learn more.

Faith in Action Survey Results

Charge to the Social Justice Task Force

Social Justice Task Force Report

Hill Church News articles:

Faith in Action: Survey Results (HCN April 10, 2009)

May 3 Forum (HCN April 24, 2009)

Social Justice Task Force Launched (HCN May 22, 2009)

Social Justice Task Force Recommenations (HCN August 1, 2009)

Sacred Conversation on Social Issues (HCN January 15, 2010)