We live in troubled times. Every day there is more news of disease, strife, and war from across the world.
We were recently reminded that these atrocities do not stop at our border. October 22 was a horrible, strange, and uncertain day for those who work in downtown Ottawa and, indeed, for all people across Canada. On the cover of this edition, you will see an excerpt of a prayer by Richard Schwass (from Living Justice: A Gospel Response to Poverty). This was a source of comfort for CPJ staff in the days after the shooting on Parliament Hill.
But we face many other immense challenges in Canada. In this edition, Michael Cooke (p. 5) tells us about our child poverty rate, which remains too high for a wealthy nation like Canada. Joe Gunn (p. 6) notes that the changing climate threatens God’s creation and that time is running out. Ashley Chapman (p. 4) reports on how the shameful treatment of refugees is making it much more difficult for those who have come to Canada to seek a better life.
The problems we face require both personal and systematic changes. As a way forward, Kathy Vandergrift (p. 10) and Thomas Coldwell (p. 11) remind us about the importance of political engagement.
Yet in this Advent season, we know that our hope is ultimately found in Christ. Brian Walsh (p. 12) suggests that his presence brings about an alternative reality where our love of neighbour trumps our own desires.
This is what CPJ exists to do. Not only to shine a light on injustices in Canada, but also to work for and declare the good we see in the world.
We are grateful that you have joined us in this pursuit of justice in Canada.
