World Day for International Justice

During my recent visit to Cairo I visited a theological college which CMSI supports through the Diocese of Egypt. Every person who studies there is a refugee, most of whom wish to be back home in Sudan. The Diocese of Egypt celebrates diversity and introduces the light of justice for the forcibly displaced, by providing opportunities for them to redeem the time in exile. God’s family enables diverse students to learn more about scripture, study pastoral care and church management; a sliver of justice in an unjust world order. I was forced ask myself in what ways I might echo this focus on diversity as a path towards justice. 

“… the church is intended to be a place where people can find truth (1 Tim 3). Part of this truth necessitates diversity as a reflection of God’s nature, and diversity is a function of justice.” — Michele Mahon (Quoted by Harvey Kwiyani in “Global Witness, Globally Reimagined” July 2024) 

During my visit I also noticed the director of this theological college had a small cross tattooed on the inside of his wrist. I asked him about it and he told me this is a mark given by Coptic Christians to their children. It is also a mark, he said, that makes it difficult to get a good job, and kind treatment by some groups in Egypt. Yet this young man, with a tattoo that triggers experiences of injustice and fear, wore it with dignity and honour. He spoke that afternoon of the joy his parents would have experienced taking him, as a little boy, to the church for this tattoo. He spoke excitedly about the changing tide in the Coptic church, since the Arab Spring; the flow of faith that seems to be growing.  

Meeting my brother across the cultural gap caused me to consider my lack of experience with injustice, and, consequently, to ponder the courage of my faith.  

And on this Day of International Justice I invite you to wonder about what the conflicting meanings of his tattoo can us about standing against injustice, about the gift of joy in , when that faith brings risk, and about perseverance in Christ when equality is more easily accessible on a different path. 

Today, you might want to consider what the call to justice could mean for you and how we can learn more about God’s ways of justice by listening to the global church.