From the Catalyst, Summer 2018
Journeys to Justice: Reflections on Canadian Christian Activism
By Joe Gunn
Novalis, 2018
Who Will Carry the Mission Forward?
By The Rt. Rev. Dr. John H Chapman, 9th Bishop of Ottawa, Anglican Church of Canada
Journeys to Justice includes stories and reflections offered by a variety of justice seekers these past forty years. But, at the end of it all, the reader will see inside Joe’s heart and soul. He reveals in his own words and through the words of others, a desperation to make our world right and holy. This is not work done in isolation but rather it is communal work. He rightly recognizes that we all must work together to address a society that seems to have lost its steam, as Joe puts it, to seek justice for all of God’s people. In addition to sharing with us a compelling account of the good work that has unfolded in the past, there is a longing in his heart, a wondering perhaps, as to who will continue this good and holy work. The “heady days” of the 70’s and 80’s are long past. No longer are expressions or catch phrases like “preferential option for the poor,” “Christian activism,” “justice for all,” commonplace in our society today. But the problems remain – who will carry the mission forward?
Joe is, and all of the ten contributors are, clearly asking the question: can we rise above our own internal sin and limitations and continue our work toward a just society? We have the capacity, even now, but is there the will? Do we have ears to hear God’s call? Can we see the mission God calls us to embrace?
