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The Jesus Shaped Justice Workshop was a great success and, like Amos, we hope to “see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.”

About 50 people from throughout the Diocese gathered at Prayerworks Hall on the morning of June 2. The workshop was both thought-provoking and encouraging. We heard from Bishop Jane about her perspective on the theology of social justice. Gary St. Amand, CEO of the Bissell Centre, shared his personal faith journey as he was called to confront structures that cause injustices. He found he had developed a compulsion to action. 

This is not just about giving a meal, but empowering people to take their own agency and achieve their goals. Jim Gurnett stressed that the workshop was not about disregarding the fine social service work that we are all involved in within our Edmonton diocese but, unfortunately, that work does not always lead to addressing the root of injustice and changing the circumstances under which people are suffering. Our goal was to focus on how ordinary people, alone or in groups, can be more effective in making social change that will result in a just and fair situation for those who are hurt or limited by an injustice.

Over a great lunch provided by the ladies of St. Stephen’s ACW, attendees discussed what they had gleaned from the morning and feeling empowered by a better understanding of what is required to live a life of Jesus Shaped Justice.

Submitted by Dorothy Marshall