Course Introduction and Module 1: Doing Justice

This course has three modules:

• ✓ What is equity and why it matters
• ✓ Who is involved
• ✓ How equity shapes participation

• ✓ Scriptural Focus: Micah 6:8
• ✓ Biblical Justice (Mishpat): More than individual behavior; it is the ordering of society
• ✓ The Goal: Protecting the vulnerable so that all people can flourish

• ✓ Responding to specific needs of a group so that all may thrive
• ✓ Structural Focus: Seeking to correct imbalances in systems of power and privilege
• ✓ Decision-making: involvement of those impacted by inequity
• ✓ Alignment: Aligning church order with equity principles

• ✓ Full Expression: Representing the rich diversity of the church's membership
• ✓ Participation: Providing full access to representation and decision-making
• ✓ Accountability: Each council must develop mechanisms to review and promote inclusiveness
• ✓ Assembly constitutes a "bond of union, community, and mission."