The Historic Role of the Church in Social Justice Efforts

By Sedgwick Daniels

Many historians of Christianity have noted the social justice efforts of the historical figure of Jesus. The modern African American church has largely upheld that tradition, serving not only as a spiritual center for communities but also as a force of social change and support. Indeed, some of the most prominent leaders in the African American community, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., were also religious leaders. Today, social justice often reveals itself as a struggle to provide adequate resources to church communities. Through Holy Redeemer, I have helped facilitate the establishment of community resources for people of all ages at home in Wisconsin and as far away as China and Singapore. The social justice struggles of the contemporary African American church have largely shifted from ensuring that communities of color have equal status in the eyes of the law to ensuring that they have access to adequate resources to enjoy that equal status. About the Author: As pastor of Milwaukees Holy Redeemer Church of God in Christ, Sedgwick Daniels has led a number of social justice efforts since 1989. Under Mr. Daniels leadership, the church established a GED tutoring program and food pantry and launched its own Social Services division devoted to providing therapy, counseling, and professional training.