In this edition we introduce you to Matt Friedman, a long-time activist in the abolition of human trafficking. Some readers would remember Matt’s disturbing and inspiring contribution to the 2013 Salvation Army Just Action conference. Matt has a powerful challenge for all New Zealanders: ‘Let’s say that we want [New Zealand] to become the first slave-free country!’
Activism is fuelled by empathy. Matt had an instinctive sense of the injustice of human trafficking, but it was an encounter with an 11-year-old girl that sparked his empathy with their plight.
Empathy lies behind much of The Salvation Army’s social action. This week, our Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit (which organised the Just Action conference where Matt spoke) launched its ninth State of the Nation report, which examines trends in the following areas: our children, crime and punishment, work and incomes, social hazards, and housing.
As well as commentary, the State of the Nation carries plenty of statistics, graphs and tables. Some might wonder what the point of this document is. Isn’t The Salvation Army supposed to be about helping people? Isn’t it a distraction to consider policy issues that are surely more the concern of government agencies than churches? Well, this is where empathy comes in.
Like other Christian churches, The Salvation Army believes in the inherent dignity and value of every individual—and so the statistics in our report are not really about numbers at all, but people. We see and care for the most vulnerable in our society. We empathise with them. And so we want to spark conversations about how to make New Zealand a better place for everyone. In this pursuit, our State of the Nation report has proven to be a great conversation starter.
Jesus applauded those who saw and fed the hungry and thirsty, who housed the homeless, clothed the naked, cared for the sick, and visited those in prison. In this, Jesus was pointing to the need for empathy—for people who will see, feel and act, rather than merely philosophise. So … who do you see that is in need? What do you see that we could do better as a society? And are you ready to act to build a better New Zealand?
Christina Tyson
Psalm 140:12 New International Version
‘I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.’
Nga Waitata 140:12
‘E mātau ana anō ahau mā Ihowā e tohe te whakawā a te tangata e tūkinotia ana, te mea hoki e rite ana mā ngā rawakore.’