“Charity will never be true charity unless it takes justice into account...Let no one attempt with small gifts of charity to exempt themselves from the great duties imposed by justice.”

~Pope Pius XI, Divini Redemptori

Jesus once said, “the poor will always be with you.”  Many have understood this verse to mean that those who follow him need not involve themselves in the care of or advocacy for the poor and marginalized.  We, in the Coalition, don't believe this is what Jesus intended.

When Jesus said this, he was alluding to the book of Deuteronomy, which says: “There will always be poor people…. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.” (15.11)  Jesus saying was not an injunction against engagement, it was the exact opposite.  It was a call to action.

Yet, this verse also reminds us that there is no shortage of evil and injustice in this world.  This abundance of injustice can seem insurmountable – leaving us feeling paralyzed to affect any change.

In the Franciscan Coalition, we recognize there is an overabundance of injustice.  We recognize that we cannot address all the wrongs in the world… but we must do something.

Will you join us?