Social Justice Council

In late 2023, a simmering fever of social justice advocacy was brewing within a small group of St. David’s parishioners about issues arising in our community, state and country.  Oppression of marginalized communities, Wabanaki sovereignty rights, the true source of poverty and its impact on people, political advocacy’s place in our Episcopalian tradition, how to serve and provide aid to new Mainers when they arrive from countries far away and other issues were becoming more prominent. 

At a vestry meeting, this growing undercurrent was felt.  One member volunteered to ask a few parishioners about their interest in forming an action oriented Social Justice Council.  In December 2023, our first SJC gathering was held.

Since then, our passionate group of activists have prayed and listened to discern SJC’s role in St. David’s and our community.  SJC exists to provide St. David’s parish with social justice education, communicate social justice issues and advocacy resources, explore migrant aid resources, encourage discussion via book studies and speaker events, relay Diocese and national church issues and positions, vet resources (Episcopal Social Justice, Episcopal Migration Ministries, SPLC, Maine Council of Churches, for example) and promote action on issues. Our Episcopal faith calls us to respect the dignity of EVERY human being as modeled by Jesus via his compassion, his words to those in power and his love of ALL people. At St. David’s, we strive to follow his example, as well as words from James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the Word and deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” This includes our call to live out our Social Justice response – to hold up the dignity of all people, no matter who they are.

If you sense a call to explore our work, contact our St. David’s office about your interest.