Biblical Foundations for Advocacy

Martin Luther King

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

Isaiah 1:17Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek Justice, encourage the oppressed, rebuke the oppressor. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

Job 29: 11-17Whoever heard me spoke well of me, and those who saw me commended me, because I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist him. The man who was dying blessed me; I made the widow's heart sing. I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban. I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. I was a father to the needy; I took up the case of the stranger. I broke the fangs of the wicked and snatched the victims from their teeth.

Proverbs 31: 8-9Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Examples of advocacy:

ESTHER

One young woman

Alone and scared

Genocide imminent

One voice

Obedience to God

Entire people group saved!

Examples of advocacy:JUBILEE 2000

Poor counties had enormous debt to Western countries in the 70s, 80s and 90s. The Situation grew worse and loans were rescheduled and the resultant “Debt Crisis” emerged.

The poor were not provided help by their governments because the country’s money was mainly spent on debt repayments.

In 1996 churches and aid organisations formed Jubilee 2000, asking Western countries to forgive unmanageable poor country debts. This is a model based upon Leviticus 25.

Over the four years the campaign grew (from UK to around the globe). People signed petitions in the thousands.

Politicians took notice and $US100 billion in debt relief was announced!!

Poor countries have now been spending this saved money on their internal poverty crisis!There is still more work to be done ….

Examples of advocacy:JUBILEE 2000

"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.

If an elephant has his foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality."

Archbishop Desmond Tutu

For further information: Link to Ten FAQsA Biblical Response to Social Justice

www.micahchallenge.org.au