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May we have eyes to see injustice

May we have eyes to see injustice

May we have eyes to see injustice

20 February 2023

By Colonel Winsome Merrett

Today is World Day of Social Justice, a day we can commit afresh to challenging the root causes of inequity and injustice in our world.

I grew up in the centre of Australia, where poverty, discrimination and injustice were part of everyday life and remember vividly my first awareness of injustice. I was about six years old, and there was a young girl who lived down the street from me. I still recall her face and her name, which is remarkable for me as I don’t have the gift of remembering names easily!

She lived in an unkempt home, had a scruffy appearance and always seemed so sad. My six-year-old self felt sorry for her, but to my shame, I never went out of my way to befriend her.

I recall having a conversation with my mother about this girl, and she reminded me that perhaps she didn’t have the home environment I enjoyed; a warm bed, three meals a day and parents who had a regular income that helped to provide for my needs.

Justice Day image

While I didn’t have the words to articulate this as a child, I remember thinking how unfair it was that she didn’t have what I had. As an adult, I wish at that young age, I had been more actively kind to her and taken the time to be a better friend.

When we look at the life of Jesus, his life consistently included the excluded, challenged harmful cultural practices, confronted the powerful when needed and advocated for the oppressed – all values which today are recognised as ‘social justice’.

The Salvation Army is committed to following Jesus’ example and focused on addressing injustice across our nation. We also remain committed to delivering our social services, social action and social justice work.

  • Social services: where we compassionately respond to support individuals or families.
  • Social action: when we proactively address wider community needs.
  • Social justice: when we challenge root causes of systemic inequity and exploitation.

As a movement, we are making a significant difference, on a national and local level, for those suffering at the hand of injustice.

However, for me, World Day of Social Justice serves as a reminder that perhaps one of the most basic steps I can take towards seeking justice for others is to be fully present when I am with someone, to be aware of my unconscious bias and privilege, to be kind to others and take time to understand their story so I can stand with them and ensure their voice is being heard.

May we all be people who have eyes to see injustice, hearts that want to change it, and hands and feet willing to do the work to stand with those who need our love and support.

Today, and in the days ahead, may we all be people who have eyes to see injustice, hearts that want to change it, and hands and feet willing to do the work to stand with those who need our love and support. In this way, our vision becomes more and more a reality – wherever there is hardship or injustice, Salvos will live, love and fight alongside others to transform Australia one life at a time with the love of Jesus.

God bless you each,

Colonel Winsome Merrett
Chief Secretary

 

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