On the other hand, there are relatively few sites that examine how spirituality can come to life through social action, or the spiritual roots of social justice movements (Check out this recent article that works to tie these together…). This list attends to the more elusive intersection of spirituality and social justice with a diverse sampling of resources and reflections. You might even discover some groups you’ve not encountered before (e.g. Quakers, Pagans, Mennonites, Buddhists, Muslims, Ecospiritualists, and Yoga practitioners). Click on the group name to visit their site. Let me know in the comments if there are groups you’ve discovered that should be added to the list.

African Methodist Episcopal Church Social Action Commission – The social action organization of the AME Church, their website is includes some valuable history, several primary campaigns (climate change, mass incarceration, education) and a lengthy list of other organizations that they connect with. The partner list represents a thoughtful cross-section of contemporary social justice institutions.

American Friends Service Committee – A Quaker organization with a long history of peace and justice work. An abundance of downloadable resources, podcasts, blogs, a training center and news updates exploring international peacebuilding, creating inclusive communities, immigration, mass incarceration and many issues.

Ecospirituality Foundation – The foundation roots its spiritual perspective in ecological principles with particular attention to the rights of indigenous communities, animal justice, nutrition and environmental care. The organization has a consultative relationship with the United Nations and supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (check out the UN SD goals here – they are an inspiring read in themselves).

Generation Justice’s podcasts exploring Spirituality and Social Justice – Generation Justice is a multiracial, multicultural youth training project. Although they focus primarily on privacy and cyber security issues, they explore a wide variety of social justice issues. They have an extensive podcast library. This link takes you to the first of three podcasts exploring the connection between spirituality and social justice.

Mennonite Central Committee – Is a “worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches, shares God’s love and compassion for all in the name of Christ by responding to basic human needs and working for peace and justice.” Drawing on an historic peace church perspective, programs include US and international emergency relief, food, health, education and development efforts. Peace and Justice work focuses on migration, peace advocacy, sexual abuse prevention, criminal justice, race, environment and restorative justice education. Many resources available to learn more and participate.

Muslims for Progressive Values – “Advocate for human rights, social justice and including in the United Stages and around the world.” The site includes resources and information ranging from interfaith relationships and LGBTQI issues, to racism and women’s rights. A wide range of podcasts, recommended readings, newsletters, and videos are available.

Like so many young people today, I was searching for a way out, or some might say a way in, and then I heard the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on an old radio. He was talking about the philosophy and discipline of nonviolence. He said we are all complicit when we tolerate injustice. He said it is not enough to say it will get better by and by. He said each of us has a moral obligation to stand up, speak up and speak out. When you see something that is not right, you must say something. You must do something. Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself.

John Lewis (2020)

National Baptist Convention USA – This historically black Christian church has national level projects ranging from disaster management and health ministries to housing and criminal justice commissions.

Pagan – Crystal Blanton’s reflections in this article published in The Wild Hunt provides links to additional resources, explores some pagan spiritual foundations for social justice work and advocates for new connections among diverse communities of faith. A thoughtful read.

Presbyterian Mission Agency – It would take another posting or two to list the pages and pages of material available through this organization. Suffice it to say if you’re looking for resources, opportunities to connect, or current news on Christian social justice work (through a Presbyterial lens) there is something here for everyone – public witness, public policy recommendations, direct advocacy, environmental justice, homelessness, race, peacemaking, women and children, poverty, faith-based investment, etc. etc. Worth reviewing to see how active faith groups are around social justice campaigns.

Still Harbor – Working at “creating a network of fiercely loving and compassionate spiritual leaders for social change,” Still Harbor offers spiritual direction and training for leaders looking to integrate deeper perspectives into their Social Justice leadership. Check out their Anchor digital magazine for a sense of what their alumni are up to.

Tikkun – A network of spiritual progressives who “uplift Jewish, interfaith, and secular prophetic voices of hope that contribute to universal liberation.” The organization has an abundance of resources and articles that integrate spirituality, psychology, intellectual analysis and a diversity of social action opportunities.

Unitarian Universalist College of Social Justice – works to “inspire and sustain effective and spiritually grounded activism for justice.” Their program emphasizes learning through cross-cultural experience and includes immersion learning journeys, justice training programs, summer internships, and volunteer opportunities. The “college” is not an accredited school, but a program of the UU Service Committee and participants do not need to be affiliated with the UU to participate in their programs. 

United Church of Christ – Social justice seems deeply woven into the spiritual mission of the faith community and there are lots of news stories regarding the community’s involvement in current justice campaigns. You will need to subscribe to the site to get access to the abundance of resources.

United Methodist Church – In this posting the Reverend Ryan Dunn reflects on the connection between faith from a Methodist perspective and the work of social justice. In addition to this thought provoking Christian reflection the site contains links to particular social justice campaigns.

Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble. Voting and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it.

John Lewis (2020)

US Conference of Catholic Bishops – This site includes an exhaustive list of social justice statements and campaigns from a Catholic perspective. Perhaps that is why it can be a bit challenging to find anything in particular. I suggest starting with this page – It opens with a focus on environmental issues and the left sidebar reveals how to connect with other projects. Happy hunting!

Yoga International – This first in a pair of articles posted on the Yoga International website explores the connections among Yoga, Spirituality and Social Justice. Even if you are not a Yoga enthusiast, this will give you some new ways to think about the interaction of our body, spirit, and actions for justice.

Zen Peacemakers International – Supports, inspires, trains, and mobilizes “a world-wide movement of members and affiliates conducting humanitarian, peace-building, social and civic action.” Organizing Bearing Witness retreats to be with native-peoples, refugees, minority communities, and survivors of civil wars is a key aspect of their work.

rainonrocks.com explores the connection between spirituality and social justice and inspires readers to reach deep and get involved. Matt blogs about spiritual meanderings, social action, and courageous voices who think creating a better world is worth the effort. Contact Matt about speaking or workshop opportunities. See the Services section for more information. Subscribe, share with your friends, and suggest topics or people you’d like to get to know.