White Papers
Contemplative-activism is marked by the rhythmed movement between prayer and action. We start with a posture of receiving from God, of prayerfully examining the scriptural and theological foundations for ministering among the marginalized and vulnerable. We then vigorously step out in love to extend shalom in dark and broken places.
Anglican Theology of the Streets: Justice + Mercy Contending for Shalom
By: Dr. Derek S. King
In one of his more brilliant illustrations, C. S. Lewis likens theology to a map. With the aid of prior explorers, a map keeps you on course or opens up new vistas. Yet on its own, a map is dull. It must be used. Setting sail across the Atlantic is dangerous without a good map but, map in hand, we can push off from shore with confidence. A map and an expedition need each other, or both are ineffective.
The goal for this white paper is to provide an accessible theological framework for both clergy and practitioners to locate their individual and collective works of justice and mercy within a larger account of God’s redemptive action in the world and the Church’s social witness and mission. By accessible, I mean inviting and, more importantly, making it attainable for the clergy or the stay-at-home parent corralling kids or those feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, or visiting the imprisoned (Matthew 25:35-36). An easily readable map.
Homelessness: A Biblical and Theological Reflection
People all over the world regularly experience the lack of what is universally considered one of the basic human needs: shelter or, simply, a home. Many Christians in the church care — even deeply care — but are so overwhelmed by the lack of clear solutions that we’re more likely to throw up our hands in exasperation than roll up our sleeves to help.
For all the economic and social issues that homelessness raises, it also raises theological issues. A deeper understanding of the basic Scriptural and theological foundations of this problem should help our solutions. This is not to suggest that knowledge alone is sufficient — the gospel requires action. The simplest form of shalom-making is to meet basic human needs.
By: Dr. Derek S. King
Immigration: A Biblical and Theologial Reflection
The commandments in scripture regarding God’s concern for the treatment of the sojourner abound. Second only to the love of God alone, welcoming the stranger is among the most frequent commands in the Hebrew Scriptures.
In this white paper, we examine the theme of migration within the biblical narrative. Then, we devote our attention to the early Christian tradition and how the Church has thought about immigration. Finally, and building on this case, we apply this to the context of the United States–Mexico border and the responsibility of Christians today.
By: Rev. William A. Walker III, Ph.D.
Sexual Exploitation and Trauma Safety: A Biblical and Theological Reflection
Ministries today are increasingly traumatized and traumatizing. Sexual abuse and trauma in non-profits and the church leave many Christians feeling scared, confused, unprepared, and overwhelmed about what to do next or how to help.
This white paper considers how Anglicans today — or any mere Christian for that matter — can immediately get started with some basic principles and practices to create trauma-safe ministries and organizations. Our ministries can become trauma-safe because of the person of Jesus Christ and his gospel, and our theology of the church is simply too good not to be trauma-safe.
By: Dr. Preston Hill
Justice + Mercy: Sacramental and Incarnational
God’s work of Shalom which involves our bodies and other peoples’ bodies, and continually engages us in Jesus’s body.
In the incarnation, God did not just come for our souls but for our bodies. Just as “in the beginning” God made the heavens and the earth as a unified whole, so all of creation is leaning — tending — groaning toward this goal when the heavens and earth will once more be at home with one another.
For Anglicans, we remind ourselves of this every week in the Eucharist. As C. S. Lewis says, “There is no good trying to be more spiritual than God. God never meant man to be a purely spiritual creature. That is why He uses material things like bread and wine to put the new life into us.
By: Dr. Julie Canlis
