Pieces on Peace, May 2026 Edition

“Social Justice” can be a tricky subject, especially for churches. As “Peacemaking and Justice Advocate,” I’ve seen how my job title elicits varied responses. For some, my role evokes excitement and a desire to connect, for others; there is wariness and skepticism about any agenda I might be pushing. I believe a major part of my job is to help our church leaders, members, and communities understand that the Church is already involved in the work of restorative justice and peacemaking, as we are under Christ’s leadership and seek to proclaim, as Jesus did, good news to the poor, freedom for prisoners, sight for the blind, and liberation for the oppressed (Luke 4:18). Our political leanings may cause disagreements on how to work towards these ends, but our faith should nonetheless make these concerns central to our lives.

A meeting with Rev. Andy Wong of Foothill Community Presbyterian Church helped affirm how community organizing and social justice work align with the gospel message and vision. Pastors Andy and Lindsay and some members of FCPC are actively involved with Silicon Valley Allied for the Common Good, a “non-partisan network of civic associations, faith-based organizations and nonprofits that come together to effect change… [and] help regular people have a seat at the decision-making tables of Silicon Valley.” The emphasis of this group is building relationships through one-on-one meetings. Through the ongoing process of getting to know one another, our stories reveal our concerns and passions, as well as our wisdom and strength. Empowered relationally, we can then work together effectively to address problems in our communities.

When Andy is questioned about how this kind of grassroots organizing fits into “church,” he explains that community organizing is about three things: relationships, leaders, and power. When we build relationships, we value and validate each other’s life experiences. In this way, new leaders are empowered to emerge, recognizing the importance of their story and the power they hold to be part of the change they desire to see. When networks of empowered everyday leaders strengthen, we have the power to effect meaningful change. As Andy put it, “What church doesn’t want to build relationships, leaders, and power?”

Jesus commands us to be in loving relationship with God and neighbor, and empowers us to be leaders in the Church, the body of Christ, sharing the good news of Christ’s redemptive love with the world. The gospel envisions a changed world, and Christ offers us the power to pray for and participate in the building of God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Our churches and leaders might not all be called to community organizing, but we can grow our relationships with individuals and groups working to encourage local leaders in order to support the empowerment of all God’s children – and that is the work of peacemaking and justice.

– Veronica Ota, Peacemaking & Justice Advocate