The Dallas Justice Revival was featured prominently in the June 2010 issue of Sojourners magazine. Check out Catherine Cuellar's essay, "Now the Work Begins":
Sharon Tillis had every comfort of a “good Christian wife”: a home, a car, a job, and children. In her 40s she also faced some challenges other Christians hadn’t—bipolar disorder, domestic violence, and shame about surviving incest. Deciding whether to stay in an unhealthy marriage or get divorced and risk homelessness, she chose the latter.
“God was with me every step of the way,” Tillis says now of her journey. After two years of counseling, time spent sleeping in her car and on the couches of friends and family members, and 18 months in and out of shelters, Tillis finally has a home to call her own again. CityWalk@Akard, a mixed-use high rise developed over the past five years by the nonprofit Central Dallas Ministries (whose chair, Larry James, served on Justice Revival’s leadership team) includes 200 affordable apartments. Of these, 50 have been designated as permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless residents like Tillis. CityWalk’s expected completion in spring 2010 is in the context of a Greater Dallas Justice Revival goal of developing a total of 700 new units.
“I could go to church and stay at members’ houses a couple of months or so. The church can provide me, I guess, with gas money or whatever I need, food. But to provide me housing—that’s a miracle.” Tillis says. “I feel independent, self-sufficient. I feel like I can do anything now. I have peace of mind. I don’t have to worry about where I’m going to lay my head. It gave me all of that. It gave me hope.”
To read the entire essay click here.
Showing posts with label Justice Revival Dallas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Justice Revival Dallas. Show all posts
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Justice Revival Dallas. . .who'll step up and how?
Gerald Britt, VP of Public Policy here at Central Dallas Ministries, published the following essay on the Op-Ed pages of The Dallas Morning News on last Tuesday, December 15:
After the Justice Revival
This isn't a criticism, just a reality: Getting church leaders across denominational, theological, racial, geographic, class and ideological barriers to work together can be like getting cats to march in a parade. But that is the challenge in the aftermath of Dallas' Justice Revival.
The Justice Revival is a concept introduced in the book The Great Awakening by Jim Wallis, the leader of the progressive Christian organization Sojourners. It harkens back to church revivals that resulted in spiritual conversions and social justice movements that helped bring about the abolition of slavery; produced child labor laws; and addressed issues of public health and poverty in northern slums area.
Can churches still provide the spark that ignites a spiritual-based revival with social implications in Dallas?
Although attendance goals for the November gathering fell short of expectations, the Justice Revival was always promoted as more than a specific event. The real test will be whether churches achieve their goals involving education and housing for the homeless. That, in turn, involves how well participating congregations are able to draw the distinction between "justice" and "charity."
The November "Day of Service" focused on deploying Justice Revival participants throughout the city to help with service projects at schools and Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance's March to Help the Homeless. These weekend events were meant to symbolize commitment through acts of compassion. Justice, however, means addressing the failures of the systems associated with these issues.
The spiritual "great awakening" – of which this revival should be both symbol and catalyst – should seek to play a more robust role than simply being campus volunteers. Substantive engagement regarding public education is a vital need in our schools.
We all should heed and repeat former DISD board president Sandy Kress' warning that this involvement avoid becoming "charity around the edges" of much-needed reform. Churches must be careful not to be used to mask real systemic failures with feel-good success stories or to be relegated to the margins, where real impact is almost impossible.
Serious involvement demands rejecting stereotypes of poor families, instead listening and becoming allies with parents in their dreams for their children's future. It means dealing with issues of health and safety as well as asking whether schools have textbooks and up-to-date technology. It should involve helping parents understand the relationship between classroom grades and standardized testing. Plus partnering with existing community programs to provide enrichment opportunities to enhance classroom learning. It could mean establishing academies to help parents better understand school culture, the politics of public education and parental rights and responsibilities within the school system.
In short, congregations should bring an appetite for tough-minded engagement as well as tenderhearted volunteerism.
Justice Revival congregations also are asked to lead the way in supporting Dallas' official goal to provide 700 units of affordable housing, a goal that should be embraced by the entire city. Churches can be invaluable allies, educating themselves on effective strategies addressing the problem that can be adopted here in Dallas. Churches also can promote the housing goal as an opportunity for a ministry of inclusion.
Most important, churches can work with city officials and nonprofits to make this housing a reality. That starts with congregations recognizing the homeless among us as fellow citizens and thus serving as advocates to build support within their respective communities for the housing.
Justice Revival congregations' impact can be totally out of proportion to the event attendance itself if their commitment to justice is as great as their compassion.
__________________
So, what do you think?
After the Justice Revival
This isn't a criticism, just a reality: Getting church leaders across denominational, theological, racial, geographic, class and ideological barriers to work together can be like getting cats to march in a parade. But that is the challenge in the aftermath of Dallas' Justice Revival.
The Justice Revival is a concept introduced in the book The Great Awakening by Jim Wallis, the leader of the progressive Christian organization Sojourners. It harkens back to church revivals that resulted in spiritual conversions and social justice movements that helped bring about the abolition of slavery; produced child labor laws; and addressed issues of public health and poverty in northern slums area.
Can churches still provide the spark that ignites a spiritual-based revival with social implications in Dallas?
Although attendance goals for the November gathering fell short of expectations, the Justice Revival was always promoted as more than a specific event. The real test will be whether churches achieve their goals involving education and housing for the homeless. That, in turn, involves how well participating congregations are able to draw the distinction between "justice" and "charity."
The November "Day of Service" focused on deploying Justice Revival participants throughout the city to help with service projects at schools and Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance's March to Help the Homeless. These weekend events were meant to symbolize commitment through acts of compassion. Justice, however, means addressing the failures of the systems associated with these issues.
The spiritual "great awakening" – of which this revival should be both symbol and catalyst – should seek to play a more robust role than simply being campus volunteers. Substantive engagement regarding public education is a vital need in our schools.
We all should heed and repeat former DISD board president Sandy Kress' warning that this involvement avoid becoming "charity around the edges" of much-needed reform. Churches must be careful not to be used to mask real systemic failures with feel-good success stories or to be relegated to the margins, where real impact is almost impossible.
Serious involvement demands rejecting stereotypes of poor families, instead listening and becoming allies with parents in their dreams for their children's future. It means dealing with issues of health and safety as well as asking whether schools have textbooks and up-to-date technology. It should involve helping parents understand the relationship between classroom grades and standardized testing. Plus partnering with existing community programs to provide enrichment opportunities to enhance classroom learning. It could mean establishing academies to help parents better understand school culture, the politics of public education and parental rights and responsibilities within the school system.
In short, congregations should bring an appetite for tough-minded engagement as well as tenderhearted volunteerism.
Justice Revival congregations also are asked to lead the way in supporting Dallas' official goal to provide 700 units of affordable housing, a goal that should be embraced by the entire city. Churches can be invaluable allies, educating themselves on effective strategies addressing the problem that can be adopted here in Dallas. Churches also can promote the housing goal as an opportunity for a ministry of inclusion.
Most important, churches can work with city officials and nonprofits to make this housing a reality. That starts with congregations recognizing the homeless among us as fellow citizens and thus serving as advocates to build support within their respective communities for the housing.
Justice Revival congregations' impact can be totally out of proportion to the event attendance itself if their commitment to justice is as great as their compassion.
__________________
So, what do you think?
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Standing on the shoulders of a hero
The iphone photo quality leaves something to be desired, but I wouldn't take anything for the moment or the image.
Rev. Dr. Zan Wesley Holmes has led the way for two, and likely now three, generations of Dallas folks concerned about pursuing a community ethic defined by a commitment to and a concern for justice.
For years Dr. Holmes led the influential St. Luke's "Community" United Methodist Church here in Dallas. From his days over 50 years ago at Perkins Theological Seminary until this past week at the Justice Revival, Dr. Holmes has demonstrated an unyielding commitment to seeing justice established in our community.
Arguably the most influential voice in the Dallas Civil Rights Movement across five decades, Dr. Holmes has pointed the way, paid the price and prompted all of us to join in the fight.
This photo, taken on the last evening of the Justice Revival Dallas, captured a wonderful moment that I shared with him.
I remember years ago when I was considering a job change, Dr. Holmes was the first person that I called. He gave me good advice. More than that, it was very clear to me that he cared about my life, my work and my future.
Just before this photo was taken, I told Dr. Holmes that my generation and those younger than me were indebted to him and his leadership, that we are "standing on your shoulders" as we pursue our work. He responded with his trademark humility.
Dr. Holmes provided the keynote address on the first night of the Justice Revival. But he returned each of the two following nights to lend his support to the effort. Typical Zan Holmes.
I consider myself blessed to know him and to count him as a dear friend and a trusted, proven guide.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Today's Dallas Morning News: Justice Revival Dallas
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Time for a new ecumenical action?
In the late 1940s here in Dallas, an ecumenical impulse paved the way for the formation in 1950 of a collection of churches representing a number of different denominations. Originally formed as the Dallas Council of Churches, the group gathered at East Dallas Christian Church to launch its important work. Eventually known as the Greater Dallas Community of Churches (GDCC), the ecumenical association spoke to some of the community's most pressing social, cultural, political and religious issues and concerns.
Chief among the early concerns facing and addressed by GDCC were matters of race and civil rights. Much of the discussion and progressive work accomplished relative to race relations and civil rights in Dallas throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70s took place among and was orchestrated by the group.
Much more could be reported concerning the history of GDCC. Ecumenical dialogue and understanding, interfaith understanding, children's issues, education, community health and wellness, peace and justice work, livable wage and the economy--these and other important matters concerned and occupied the time and attention of GDCC.
At one point the organization boasted a membership of over 300 congregations.
By the late 1990s, GDCC moved into the last phase of its organizational life. A number of reasons stood behind the dissolution of the group in 2005. But, we can hold that discussion for another time, possibly by some other blogger.
I bring this up simply to say, Dallas needs a new ecumenical expression today.
That said, I'd hasten to add that our very different times call for a much different response on the ecumenical front.
What's needed to day, in my view at least, is not so much think tank, focus group or endless conversation. Rather, what Dallas needs from Christians of all varieties and traditions is faith-formed action.
Dallas needs a new, energetic, ecumenical action.
To be successful, action must define, energize and direct any new, organized, sustainable ecumenical movement.
I think the upcoming Dallas area Justice Revival (November 10-12, 2009 at Dallas Market Hall) offers Dallas the platform necessary for organizing a completely new ecumenical presence, an interdenominational movement defined by determined, continuing action.
The Justice Revival brings to Dallas a call to action on behalf of area public schools and in support of new housing policies and development for our chronically homeless neighbors. Combining a robust ecumenism with insistence on continued action, the Dallas Justice Revival (click for great commentary) could launch a new, relevant, organized movement of unity and purpose among Christians of all sorts.
That's the intention.
That's the hope.
Look for me at the Justice Revival. I'll be looking for you!
Chief among the early concerns facing and addressed by GDCC were matters of race and civil rights. Much of the discussion and progressive work accomplished relative to race relations and civil rights in Dallas throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70s took place among and was orchestrated by the group.
Much more could be reported concerning the history of GDCC. Ecumenical dialogue and understanding, interfaith understanding, children's issues, education, community health and wellness, peace and justice work, livable wage and the economy--these and other important matters concerned and occupied the time and attention of GDCC.
At one point the organization boasted a membership of over 300 congregations.
By the late 1990s, GDCC moved into the last phase of its organizational life. A number of reasons stood behind the dissolution of the group in 2005. But, we can hold that discussion for another time, possibly by some other blogger.
I bring this up simply to say, Dallas needs a new ecumenical expression today.
That said, I'd hasten to add that our very different times call for a much different response on the ecumenical front.
What's needed to day, in my view at least, is not so much think tank, focus group or endless conversation. Rather, what Dallas needs from Christians of all varieties and traditions is faith-formed action.
Dallas needs a new, energetic, ecumenical action.
To be successful, action must define, energize and direct any new, organized, sustainable ecumenical movement.
I think the upcoming Dallas area Justice Revival (November 10-12, 2009 at Dallas Market Hall) offers Dallas the platform necessary for organizing a completely new ecumenical presence, an interdenominational movement defined by determined, continuing action.
The Justice Revival brings to Dallas a call to action on behalf of area public schools and in support of new housing policies and development for our chronically homeless neighbors. Combining a robust ecumenism with insistence on continued action, the Dallas Justice Revival (click for great commentary) could launch a new, relevant, organized movement of unity and purpose among Christians of all sorts.
That's the intention.
That's the hope.
Look for me at the Justice Revival. I'll be looking for you!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Dallas Morning News points to Justice Revival
The subject of the interview is the upcoming Justice Revival here in Dallas on November 10-12 each night at Market Hall.
Participants will be called to engage the community at two crucial points: partnerships involving local congregations and public schools and housing development for the homeless.
Read the conversation with Wallis here.
Learn more about the Justice Revival here.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Justice Revival Seeks Church-School Partnerships
The upcoming Justice Revival set for November 10-12, 2009, will be seeking to identify churches willing to establish partnerships with local, public schools.
Here's an example of what we hope will happen with at least 25 churches.
Click here to read more about the experience of Pastor Jeff Jones and the Chase Oaks Church.
For more information, call us.
Here's an example of what we hope will happen with at least 25 churches.
Click here to read more about the experience of Pastor Jeff Jones and the Chase Oaks Church.
For more information, call us.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Job opportunity with Justice Revival and CDM
A message from Justice Revival Dallas:
We're very excited that we're able to hire someone who will ensure that the Justice Revival Dallas (November 10-12, 2009) misison will be carried out post-revival.
Position Title: Justice Revival Director
Supervisor: Larry James, CEO of Central Dallas Ministries
Salary: Moderate, based on experience, with benefits package
The Dallas Justice Revival is seeking to hire a Justice Revival Director starting in the fall of 2009 thru the fall of 2010.
TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and three professional references to jobs@justicerevival.org or to Dallas Justice Revival Search, Foundation for Community Empowerment, 2001 Ross Ave, Suite 3350, Dallas, TX 75201.
Deadline for applications is September 25, 2009 or until position is filled.
The Justice Revival Dallas Leadership Team is strongly committed to equal opportunity. Women and persons of color are highly encouraged to apply.
Please visit http://justicerevival.unifyer.com/ to view this item or to change your email preferences.
Thanks,
Justice Revival--Dallas
We're very excited that we're able to hire someone who will ensure that the Justice Revival Dallas (November 10-12, 2009) misison will be carried out post-revival.
Position Title: Justice Revival Director
Supervisor: Larry James, CEO of Central Dallas Ministries
Salary: Moderate, based on experience, with benefits package
The Dallas Justice Revival is seeking to hire a Justice Revival Director starting in the fall of 2009 thru the fall of 2010.
TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and three professional references to jobs@justicerevival.org or to Dallas Justice Revival Search, Foundation for Community Empowerment, 2001 Ross Ave, Suite 3350, Dallas, TX 75201.
Deadline for applications is September 25, 2009 or until position is filled.
The Justice Revival Dallas Leadership Team is strongly committed to equal opportunity. Women and persons of color are highly encouraged to apply.
Please visit http://justicerevival.unifyer.com/ to view this item or to change your email preferences.
Thanks,
Justice Revival--Dallas
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