Putting Faith in Action: Justice Camp Inspires Many

"Take a risk!" That was the challenge issued by the Reverend Travis Enright on the first day of Justice Camp- Land. Participants would spend the next few days unpacking what that exactly meant and looked different for each participant. As Robyn Michell from St. Simon's Oakville observed, "for some it was physically doing something new, for others it was letting go of their emotions, some people let go of their control and just followed and trusted."

About 80 Anglicans and other people of other faith communities between the ages of 18 and 74 attended this year's Justice camp in Edmonton. People came from all parts of Canada, as well as from Nicaragua and Cuba. Tony Marriott from Grace Church in Waterdown reflected that Justice Camp is about "sharing our common humanity in Christ." Niagara's companion diocese relationship with the Diocese of Cuba fostered the participation of 7 young adults from Cuba along with 5 people from our diocese (see photo). "It was awesome to see so many young people expressing their faith and voicing their opinions and thoughts on social justice," says Michell.

The event is styled as a 'camp' rather than a conference as it is designed to be a very interactive experience in each chosen immersion group experience. For three days participants were immersed in one of six experiences: Food Security, Faith in the Oil/Tar sands, Interfaith Teachings, Urban Poverty, Teachings from the land and Earth, Sky, Fire, Water.  Through her experience with the urban poverty immersion group, Michell's eyes were opened to the reality of inner city life and she found "an amazing way for me to reflect on my faith and to put it to action."

Other participants from Niagara shared that sentiment. It was the first Justice Camp for Caroline and Jeremy Sharp from Grace Church in Waterdown and they left "inspired to make few changes in our own lives and hope to pass this inspiration on to others." Cheryl Haycraft from St. Simon's in Oakville reflected that for her "Justice Camp was a rich experience of learning, hands on experience and a sharing of thoughts and ideas." Being in Edmonton also afforded participants the opportunity to experience Aboriginal culture and tradition, including an opportunity to participate in a smudging ceremony.

In 2010 Niagara hosted a Justice Camp in Hamilton themed around community justice. The Diocese is currently exploring the possibility of partnering with the Diocese of Cuba and others to host an international Justice Camp in 2016.   

with files from Robyn Michell