Question 317: What Is Justice In Mission?

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

Question 317: What is justice in mission?

Justice in mission is the pursuit of God’s righteousness in the world as an expression of the gospel. It involves defending the weak, lifting up the oppressed, and promoting peace, fairness, and dignity for every person made in God’s image. Justice is not separate from evangelism, but a visible sign of God’s kingdom breaking into a broken world. In mission, the Church embodies both truth and mercy for the sake of Christ. (Micah 6:8, Isaiah 1:17, Luke 4:18–19, Matthew 23:23, James 1:27)

Full Scripture References

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8 (BSB)

“Learn to do right! Seek justice, correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the cause of the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17 (BSB)

“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” – Luke 4:18–19 (BSB)

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have neglected the more important matters of the Law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” – Matthew 23:23 (BSB)

“Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” – James 1:27 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Justice in mission reflects the heart of God, who is both righteous and compassionate. The mission of the Church includes proclaiming the gospel and embodying its implications—especially in how we treat the poor, the oppressed, and the vulnerable. Bishop Dan Gifford (ANiC, Diocese of Western Canada and Alaska) writes, “Justice in mission is not a distraction from evangelism—it is its natural fruit. When the gospel takes root, love moves outward toward those in need.” (Justice and the Kingdom of God, 2022)

This justice is grounded in Scripture and shaped by the character of Christ. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) teaches, “Jesus preached good news to the poor and set the oppressed free. When the Church imitates her Lord, she proclaims truth and practices justice hand-in-hand.” (Gospel Mercy and Mission, 2020)

Justice in mission must be more than slogans—it must involve action: feeding the hungry, defending the unborn, advocating for the marginalized, and opposing systems that perpetuate injustice. Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) writes, “Mission becomes credible when mercy becomes visible. Justice must be done in the name of Jesus, rooted in the truth of His Word.” (Holiness and Justice Together, 2021)

Service, advocacy, and evangelism are not opposites—they are interwoven. Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) notes, “Gospel-centered justice doesn’t replace the message—it adorns it. The Church’s hands and feet carry what her mouth proclaims.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)

Fr. Isaac Rehberg (ACNA, All Saints San Antonio, TX) adds, “Justice in mission means refusing to ignore suffering. It means proclaiming Christ crucified while lifting the broken, challenging evil, and loving the least as we have been loved.” (Serving Christ in a Shattered World, 2021)

Early Church Fathers On Catechism Question

“Let your preaching be joined with justice. Feed the poor, protect the widow, and preach the truth—this is the work of the Church.” – Augustine of Hippo, On Christian Teaching, c. 397 AD

“Justice and mercy are the hands of the gospel. One holds truth, the other love—both serve Christ.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Matthew 25, c. 390 AD

“He who proclaims Christ must also defend the helpless. For the gospel is both word and deed.” – Basil the Great, On Social Justice, c. 370 AD

“Let the Church go not only with teaching, but with compassion. Justice is the fragrance of the gospel in the world.” – Cyprian of Carthage, On Works and Alms, c. 250 AD

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An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)