At Christian Theological Seminary, we believe that when faith communities step into the work of justice, something powerful happens: compassion becomes courage, and belief becomes action. Over the past decade, leaders across traditions have stood on the Faith & Action stage and shared a consistent truth—faith that stays silent in the face of injustice is incomplete.
Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, Senior Pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church, reminded us that children are not born broken; they are shaped by environments we have the power to change. Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, urged us to remember that “the opposite of poverty is justice” and warned of the moral danger of silence. Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, and Rabbi Sharon Brous pushed us toward bold, systemic action rooted in moral clarity.
Together, their voices point to this reality: advocacy is not an optional expression of faith. It is central to it. It is how we confront systems that harm, lift voices too often unheard, and create communities where every person knows their dignity and worth and can flourish.
What We’ve Learned
These insights have changed how we think about our work at CTS and the Faith & Action Project. Supporting effective programs is essential—but lasting change also requires addressing the systems that block opportunity.
That’s why we are eager to lean into systems-level engagement and advocacy, like our work with Greater Indianapolis Multifaith Alliance (GIMA), helping faith communities and partners take collective action to expand access, strengthen protections, and create real opportunities for families.
We’re learning that advocacy isn’t optional. By lifting individual voices and inspiring faith communities to act, we can help reshape the systems that influence opportunity—and move closer to ending poverty.
10 Key Take-Aways from Faith & Action Speakers
Below are powerful takeaways from the leaders who have shaped our learning and inspired our evolving approach.
1. Mercy is for the Undeserving — Bryan Stevenson
We cannot wait for people to “deserve” mercy or support. Stevenson challenged us to worry less about economics and more about justice.
“The opposite of poverty isn’t wealth,” he said. “The opposite of poverty is justice.”
He also reminded us: silence makes the church complicit.
“This is not a moment for the church to be silent. This is a moment of crisis.”
2. Poverty Must Be a Moral and Political Priority — Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II
Dr. Barber called for bold, prophetic voices from our nation’s pulpits.
“Anyone preaching today and not addressing poverty is practicing malpractice—or worse.”
He challenged us to make poverty an election issue.
“Seven hundred people die every day from poverty, and we’ve not had a single presidential debate on it.”
3. We Need Both a Dream and an Agenda — Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II
Like the 1963 March on Washington—focused on Jobs and Freedom—we need both inspiration and a plan. A moral movement must be grounded in compassion, conscience, and action.
4. Incremental Change Isn’t Enough — Rabbi Sharon Brous
At the 2023 Faith & Action Spring Conference, Rabbi Brous offered a clear message:
“We cannot wait for the next generation. Dramatic systemic change is needed.”
In a moment of rising injustice, faith communities must act with urgency.
5. Challenge Policies That Harm Human Dignity — Rabbi Sharon Brous
She urged faith leaders to press lawmakers with a simple question:
Does this policy honor human dignity or endanger our neighbors?
She pointed to recent Indiana legislation targeting trans youth—reminding us that protecting vulnerable neighbors is core to our faith.
6. Justice Is a Theological Mandate — Rabbi Sharon Brous
Every faith tradition affirms the inherent dignity of human life. Elevating one group or race above another, she said, is a form of theological violence. Justice is not optional—it is a moral responsibility.
7. Live with Purpose — Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington, president and co-founder of the Social Justice Training Institute
Rev. Dr. Washington opened the 2024 Spring Conference with the refrain:
“Then my living shall not be in vain…”
His message: purpose matters. Helping someone along the way is holy work.
8. Know Your Role — Rev. Dr. Washington & Josh Riddick
Justice work requires all of us—but not all of us doing the same thing.
As Riddick put it:
“We don’t need every politician protesting, and we don’t need all the protesters becoming politicians. Work where you are.”
9. Advocate for People Until They Can Advocate for Themselves — TaQuasha Manns,
Edna Martin Christian Center
People experiencing poverty are often excluded from decisions affecting them. Manns reminded us:
“You have to be their voice until they can learn to speak up for themselves.”
10. Advocacy Opens Doors—and Helps People Learn to Walk Through Them — Jeannie Reed,
PACE (Public Advocates for Community Reentry)
Jeannie Reed shared how overwhelming the process of finding housing and stability can be without support.
“Sometimes I was scared. I had no idea how to apply for a lease… and it was a lot of closed doors.”
Advocates helped her not only access resources but learn to advocate for herself—and believe she could.
The Work Ahead
These lessons continue to stretch us, inviting a faith that listens, learns, and speaks up. History shows that diverse faith communities have always been essential in advancing justice—from abolition to civil rights. As we move forward, we hope to walk this path together, with curiosity, compassion, and courage. Add your voice—through advocacy, questions, and action—and help our community move closer to lasting justice.
Lindsey Nell Rabinowitch
Director, Faith & Action Project
Christian Theological Seminary
https://www.cts.edu/faith-action/