Social Justice Ministry Basics
Social Justice ministries are about being sent forth to transform the world, responding compassionately to those in need and working courageously for justice. It is the outward journey of apostleship that complements the inward journey of discipleship. We move from being members of a community to being formed as disciples to being sent out as apostles. A disciple follows; an apostle is sent. At Epiphany, social justice ministries focus primarily on downtown poor and downtown workers.
Breaking Bread for Justice
Before we can work for justice, we need to build relationships. An effective way to build relationships is to break bread, to share a meal. Conversation over a meal can provide insight into each other which can lead to better informed decisions about advocating for justice. That is the theory behind Breaking Bread for Justice. Downtown poor and parishioners are learning how they can best advocate together for the needs of the poor.
Mission Partners
There is an interest among youth groups to volunteer at The Welcome Table and Street Church in order to learn more about service and the challenges of living in poverty. Mission Partners provides orientation, participation and reflection for visiting volunteer groups
To learn more, ask the rector.
Mission Partners brochure
Street Church
Every Tuesday, we gather at Franklin Square Park for worship and lunch with around 50 downtown poor and visitors. The mission of Street Church is to feed the hungry, build diverse and inclusive community, worship as one, and give and receive the love of Christ. Worship begins a 1:00 and includes singing and participative preaching. Lunch is at 1:30. Street Church is part of the Ecclesia Ministries network which began with Common Cathedral in Boston.
Street Church page
The Welcome Table
The mission of The Welcome Table is to feed the hungry, build diverse and inclusive community, worship as one, and give and receive the love of Christ. Around 150 downtown poor participate in the various aspects of The Welcome Table every Sunday morning.
The Welcome Table page
Seasonal Social Justice Events
Welcome Table Independence Day Picnic (Holiday Weekend Sunday, 12:15pm)
Welcome Table Veterans’ Day Dinner (Veterans’ Day, 12:00pm)
Advocacy Agencies
As baptized Christians, we are called to “strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human being.”
Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN) is the advocacy and government relations arm of The Episcopal Church.
Integrity is the Episcopal advocacy group for GLBT rights and full inclusion in the Church.
Sojourners’ mission is to articulate the biblical call to social justice.
Washington Interfaith Network (WIN), an affiliate of the Industrial Areas Foundation, is a community organizing organization in DC.
Service Providers
As baptized Christians, we are called to “seek and serve Christ in all persons,
loving your neighbor as yourself.”
Christ House provides comprehensive health care for sick homeless men and women.
Downtown Cluster of Congregations is an ecumenical organization in DC.
Seabury Resources for Aging committed to providing affordable service for older adults.
Samaritan Ministry is dedicated to helping the homeless help themselves.
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