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Jesus in the City
The 2nd UK Urban Mission Congress
"Community Conflict and Celebration"
Belfast, 26-30 September 1998
Towards a Just Society
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
In twos (10 minutes)
- What gifts and talents do I possess? (Don't be humble, be honest!)
- Of what use could these gifts be to others?
- In the best of all possible worlds, how could they be used to create a just society?
In fours (10 minutes)
- We would all like to live in a just society.
What barriers are there which prevent my community from being truly just? (Your community could be your village or town, your church or your family).
What obstacles do I see in myself, which prevent me from doing all I can to bring that just community?
Whole group (20 minutes)
- Take some time to think about your community.
What would have to happen to transform that community to a Just society? (Be creative!)
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What would be the first step you. personally, would take to achieve that goal? (Be realistic) You may share your intentions with your group or choose to do this in quiet.
Finally -
On your small coloured card, please write two things:
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The place you come from (Northern Ireland, Scotland, England. Wales - no names of towns or cities)
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The first step you will take towards creating a Just society in your community.
These cards will be collected, mixed up and distributed at the end of the session. Everyone is asked to take a card and keep it in a wallet. You are asked to keep the unknown person who wrote the card in your prayers for the next month as he or she attempts to take that first step.
O God, you are a just and loving parent. You brought us to birth.
We pray for all your children.
For the many families in our Cities who are poor.
and have no power to change their lives,
Call us to solidarity with them, 0 God.
For parents who see their children sad,
and find no means to ease their pain,
Call us to solidarity with them, 0 God.
For men and women who are homeless and unemployed,
who feel useless and unwanted,
Call us to solidarity with them, 0 God.
For women and children who are the Victims of violence,
in their own homes. In the very place that should provide security and love,
Call us to solidarity with them, 0 God.
For exiles and refugees who have left home,
family and country,
Call us to solidarity with them, 0 God,
that your justice may be fulfilled in love.
For the powerful who are enslaved by the fear of losing privilege or possessions,
Free them from their fears, 0 God.
For men and women in positions of responsibility,
who can influence and enrich the lives of others,
Free them from their fears, 0 God.
Make them strong to do your will,
that your justice may be fulfilled in love.
For the whole church and ourselves as members of it,
for faithfulness in sharing in Christ's work in the world.
For obedience to the guiding of the Holy Spirit,
Make us strong to do you will, 0 God,
through your son Jesus Christ. Amen.
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