Advocacy

What is advocacy?

In their excellent book, "Going Global", Marc Lindenberg and Coralie Bryant define advocacy as "speaking out for policy change and action that will address the root causes of the problems confronted in development and relief work". The Micah Network recognises the need for advocacy, and has it as one of our three core objectives. The Micah Declaration on Integral Mission states that, ''We acknowledge the command to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute in a world that has given 'money rights' greater priority than human rights''.

Why advocate?

The following articles look at why Christians, or anybody for that matter, should be involved in advocacy.

Tearfund UK Discussion Paper (July 2002): The mission of the church and the role of advocacy

This discussion paper (pdf, 195KB) is a supporting paper to the Tearfund UK Advocacy Toolkit (2002). The mission of the church and the role of advocacy goes into greater detail about the Biblical basis for involvement in justice issues. The paper includes chapters on the kingdom of God and the mission of the church; the history of God's people and their relationship with those in power; Jesus' approach to power and politics; and applying biblical principles to policy making. Supplementing the Advocacy Toolkit (2002), the paper also briefly discusses how one can develop and implement a vision for change.

10 Reasons Why Justice Is Essential to the Gospels

By Ross Langmead

In this succinct article Ross Langmead clearly outlines ten reasons why Christians should have passion for bringing about justice. Sadly, many churches neglect this dimension of mission. Our vision of the gospel must contain justice at its heart in order for real change to be brought about by the church.

A Prayer for Clarity: Advocacy and Integral Mission

By Gary A. Haugen

Gary A. Haugen combines a discussion (Word doc, 49KB) of the theological basis for advocacy with stories of individuals affected by injustice. He proclaims the need for advocacy on the behalf of evangelical Christians to change the stories of individuals like these. If we are to really love them as Jesus's commands then we must act. Haugen writes, ''If you love Joyti, you must try to get her out of the brothel. If you love Osner, you must seek his release from prison''.

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