Make the Connection Faith + Justice!

Dear NY Faith & Justice,

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE TODAY.

Last night I submitted the final draft of my book, due for release this fall. It is entitled Evangelical Does Not Equal Republican or Democrat (The New Press).  In the book's epilogue I tell the story of NYFJ, our genesis, our vision and our call to engage our faith in the public square. 

We've been thinking a lot about the kind of voice NYFJ should have in the coming months in the run up to November. The country is fired up right now with audacious hope for change, candidates with the experience to solve the countries problems, faith that fuels prophetic platforms.  These are exciting times, in deed.

Nicholas Kristoff wrote an article in yesterday's NY Times about how evangelical Christians believe their primary call is to eliminate poverty!  Read the article here.

On the NY Faith & Justice board, and at our core, we have Democrats, Republicans and Independents committed to justice in all levels of society. We are committed to helping unite the church in the midst of the days to come, which will be cluttered with party propaganda and calls for the faithful to rally around one party or another.

In these days, our charge to faithful New Yorkers is simple: Be prophetic.

If you choose to vote Republican, then be a prophetic Republican. Support candidates, policies and structures that bless the poor, the marginalized, and the vulnerable.  And call your party to love Jesus by loving the poor.

If you choose to be a Democrat, then be a prophetic Democrat. Support candidates, policies and structures that leverage government, business and faith communities to bless the poor, the margnalized and the vulnerable.

Maybe then, we can truly eliminate poverty.

As you vote today, remember, our hope does not come from any one party or any one candidate. Our hope comes from Jesus... and Jesus aligns with the poor (Matthew 25). Align with Jesus.

~ Lisa

COMING SOON...

The Bridge

Saturday, February 23, 2008 @ 12 - 2pm
(The Fourth Saturday afternoon of Every Month)
Location: Third Church-Disciples of Christ
46 Hamilton Pl
New York, NY 10031
RSVP to Peter Heltzel @ PHeltzel@nyfaithjustice.org

Come to The Bridge! Experience God through monthly worship gatherings that touch the soul and offer practical ways to do justice in our city.  Hear great speakers and the latest info on NY Faith & Justice initiatives and network with other Christians committed to justice.

This Spring on The Bridge...

The Shalom Talk Series

Feb 23. Shalom & The Fall: Lisa Sharon Harper
Mar 22. Shalom & Environmental Justice: Lisa Sharon Harper
Apr 26. Shalom & Systemic Justice: Speaker TBA
May 2-3. Special Conference: Brian McLaren, "Everything Must Change"
June 28. Shalom & Politics: Shane Claiborne, "Jesus for President"

SAVE THESE DATES...

South Bronx Conversations for Change

Spring Pilot Conversations to begin April '08.
Community-wide Conversations to begin Fall '08.
Please check the website for updates.
Contact Derrick Boykin @ dboykin@nyfaithjustice.org.

Galvanized by a spate of police shootings throughout the city in late 2006, NY Faith & Justice is partnering with the South Bronx Coalition Against Violence to launch community-wide "Conversations for Change" between the South Bronx police and community members.  These conversations aim to affect the policies that influence police relations within the South Bronx community.  Come stand in solidarity with the community and help make a difference in the quality of life in the South Bronx.

Envision: The Gospel, Politics, and The Future