In This Area

Principles-Based Justice Work

The 44^th General Council has put forward a guiding framework of principles to support justice work in the United Church of Canada, to allow our work to be agile, responsive, and timely in relation to historic, current and emerging justice issues. Pacific Mountain Region (PMR) Justice embraces the grounding framework put forward by the Theology and Inter-Church Inter-Faith Committee (TICIF) to live into part of the church’s ongoing learning and efforts to decolonize its processes, actions, advocacy, and ministries.

As a region, PMR strives to live into the call to Embolden Justice outlined in The United Church of Canada Strategic Plan 2023-2025.

From the TICIF Committee:

“Principles operate as guides and direction for prayerful discernment of responses to situations of injustice. Principles do not spell out in detail what specific actions should be in specific circumstances but rather provide a framework for making ethical, justice-seeking decisions. Contexts and the particularities of each justice issue will need to be considered in such decision- making, guided by the principles.”

Anti-Oppression

Lament and actively oppose the expressions of oppression and colonization, including but not limited to racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and discrimination of any kind in our churches, our communities, our nation, the world, and God’s good creation. Encourage the ministries and work of anti-oppression in our churches.

Truth-telling

Recognize, acknowledge, and repent the ways in which The United Church of Canada has contributed to, or enabled, whether intentionally or unintentionally, suffering and unjust practices, including its participation in colonization. Amplify the voices of the most marginalized as opposed to those who hold power. Encourage critical analysis of power and thoughtful exploration and questioning of biases.

Holistic Scope

Recognize and name complexities and potential multiple oppressions in situations of injustice and strive to avoid false dichotomies in analysis and in statements. Seek to remain in relationship and in dialogue even when it is difficult and painful, at the same time being aware of systemic power differences at play. Seek to act ecumenically and with interfaith groups when appropriate.

Respect for Human Dignity

Be in solidarity with those among us experiencing injustice, oppression, the denial of dignity, and violation of human rights. Affirm the right to resist, repudiate, and challenge any expression of injustice.

Full Participation and Decolonization

Challenge all expressions of colonialism through recognizing and naming colonial mentalities that are automatically replicated in our institutions and relationships with partners. Support community-based self-determination, including the self-determination of Indigenous peoples. Listen attentively to social movements and groups of people who are historically marginalized and who are most affected by injustice. Engage in critical discernment about the best ways forward when called upon to speak and act for justice, to dismantle institutions and practices that are instrumental in replicating colonialism and usher a new mode of thinking and doing that decolonizes.

Equity, Mutuality, Respect, and Reparations

Pursue equity, mutuality, respect, and reparations as the path towards justice, reconciliation, and right relations. Continue to be prayerful companions in mutual discernment, discipleship, and justice-seeking with United Church partners, ecumenical and interfaith partners, and with other justice-seeking groups.

Costly and Prophetic Solidarity

Speak and act prophetically against injustice in all forms, knowing that the Holy Spirit calls us to costly solidarity with the least of these, in living our discipleship in the world.

Flourishing Spirit of Justice

You're invited to be connected to Justice-related ministry, work, and life in our regional council!

Submit your United Church-based social justice event or announcement to the regional council newsletter, 'Community Connections'! Complete the online submission form here: https://form.jotform.com/PMR-UCC/cc-submissions

Sign up to Pacific Mountain Newsletters to receive Justice-related news! Tick the JUSTICE NETWORK box on the sign up form, then click Subscribe.
Visit the topic pages in the Justice menu.
Scroll through the Recent News section below to see what the Justice Ministry has been up to, and for important action and invitations.

Regional Minister for Justice

Dr. Kendra Mitchell-Foster

KMitchellFoster@united-church.ca
1-800-934-0434 (within BC)
or +1-236-607-0344

We are excited that Dr. Kendra Mitchell-Foster has increased her leadership within Pacific Mountain Regional Council, in the vital role: Regional Minister for Justice.

Kendra currently serves the region as Campus Minister at University of Northern BC, in Prince George. She will continue in that role in addition to guiding Justice Ministry.

Kendra has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to fostering interfaith connections, building communities rooted in justice, and advocating for initiatives promoting peace and equity. She brings an invaluable skill set that aligns with our regional council's vision and mission! Kendra's expertise in social network analysis and policy change will further strengthen our endeavors to address systemic issues and advocate for meaningful change at all levels.

As Regional Minister for Justice, Kendra’s areas of focus will be in the area of reconciliation with Indigenous communities, affirming ministry practices, eco-justice advocacy, and fostering interfaith peace-building.

The possibilities that Kendra's leadership will unlock as we continue our journey toward justice and reconciliation are thrilling. Welcome, Kendra!