Justice Network

Principles-Based Justice Work

The 44th 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.”

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The call to bold discipleship, deep spirituality, and daring justice means that the people of the United Church cannot remain silent in situations of injustice. Addressing injustice includes (though is not limited to) building:

  1. awareness and understanding of the injustices our neighbours experience
  2. analysis of the systems and forces that perpetuate injustice
  3. advocacy with those neighbours who are most vulnerable and marginalized
  4. action with those neighbours who invite/welcome our participation in their work

These principles are intentionally interdependent and are informed by the United Church’s policies, affirmations, and commitments.

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!

  • 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

PMR Staff Justice KMF 225x225

Dr. Kendra Mitchell-Foster

KMitchellFoster@united-church.ca
1-800-934-0434 (within BC)
or +1-604-431-0434

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!

Recent News: Justice Ministry

UnSettling Hewlett Packard

May 15, 2024

Dear Friend, The Pacific Mountain Regional Council and PMR Justice Ministry are thrilled to be launching our UnSettling Hewlett Packard campaign as part of the […]

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Week of Solidarity with Palestine May 15th – 22nd

May 15, 2024

Since October 7th, the United Church of Canada has called for peace and the cessation of violence in Gaza and all of Palestine and Israel. […]

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Justice ~ News for the Week of May 08, 2024 and Beyond

May 8, 2024

View the e-newsletter version here | Join our mailing list Dear Friend, Blessings of peace and justice to you on this beautiful day in May. May is […]

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Affirming Ministry Pride Pack Request

May 2, 2024

Calling All on the Affirming Path! We are quickly approaching the Pride season, where festivals, picnics, marches, and parades are scheduled as summer celebrations of […]

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Earth Week 2024 Liturgy ~ From PMR Justice Ministry

April 23, 2024

Friends, Please enjoy and share these offerings shared from the Climate Justice network in Pacific Mountain Region: A beautiful liturgy created for Earth Week, from […]

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Justice ~ News for the Week of April 17, 2024 and Beyond

April 17, 2024

View the e-newsletter version here | Join our mailing list Dear Friend, Greetings of warming sun, greening buds and ringing birdsong to you. As we […]

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Remit 1 ~ Passed!

April 10, 2024

Dear Friends, We are pleased to share the news that Remit 1: Establishing an Autonomous National Indigenous Organization has passed. Please visit these links to read […]

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Welcoming Meghan Kirk – Reception & Program Support

April 2, 2024

Dear friends, The regional staff are very happy to be welcoming Meghan Kirk to the team! Meghan’s role is Reception (shared between Pacific Mountain and […]

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An Easter Letter from the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem.

March 28, 2024

Shared by The United Church of Canada, of whom Pacific Mountain Regional Council is proudly part, you can read the post here. “This Holy Week […]

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