| abstract |
This dissertation in public theology chronicled the process of organizing a local Christian alliance of Pastors to develop and promote a joint social justice initiative. The intention was to provide resources to disenfranchised people who are grappling with the issues of hunger and poverty. This project was carried out in Rockland County, New York, a diverse area of approximately 330,000 people inclusive of a vibrant and strong immigrant community. A demographic study of the area anchored this work.
The collaboration within the faith-based group provided direly needed food and poverty relief to children, women, immigrants, and minorities whose needs have been historically unaddressed within the county by the institutions of church, government, and community and which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a project on public theology, this work sought to document the process needed to transition faith-based leaders from theologies of service and charity in the public square to theologies of social justice. A by product of this work was a shift in my own sense of theological vocation in the public square.
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