Joint Public Issues Team Blog |
Posted: 25 Sep 2019 05:30 AM PDT Having spent the past four years studying Social Policy at University, I am swapping student life for the world of work as I join JPIT as their new full-time intern. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t filled with anxiety at the prospect of living and working in London, as I face the daunting challenge of making new friends and finding my place in this large and overwhelming city! Equally, I am excited about the opportunities this year will give me. The chance to meet new people, to invest in new communities and to work for an organisation that ties together two of my passions: faith and social justice! <img class="wp-image-6013 aligncenter" src="http://www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Josie-Horton-square-300×300.jpg" alt="Josie Horton" width="307" height="307" srcset="http://www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Josie-Horton-square-300×300.jpg 300w, www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Josie-Horton-square-150×150.jpg 150w, www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Josie-Horton-square-768×768.jpg 768w, www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Josie-Horton-square-1024×1024.jpg 1024w, www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Josie-Horton-square-100×100.jpg 100w, www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Josie-Horton-square.jpg 1353w” sizes=”(max-width: 307px) 100vw, 307px” /> I am very much a people person (anyone who knows me will testify to that fact!) and I believe God has given me a real heart for community-building and deeply loving those around me. The greatest calling of Christians is to love. I believe one of the best ways we can show love is through standing up against the injustices experienced by those on the margins, to ensure everyone has the opportunity to flourish and reach their God-given potential. This belief was a massive influence on my decision to study Social Policy at University, and to be actively involved in student politics and campaigning. It is also why I am so thrilled to be working with JPIT so that I can continue to live out this calling and hopefully help others in the Church to do so too. I have been very blessed that my family and a lot of friends at Church have understood this. Many have shared my convictions about the need for Christians to be involved in political activism. But sadly, I’ve found politics can be a dirty word to many in the Church. While churches happily engage in much great and needed charitable work, I have often been frustrated at the reluctance amongst some churches to engage in more political activities. I believe the Church is well positioned to go beyond simply offering quick and temporary fixes. It has a platform to advocate for and lift up the voices of the oppressed and marginalized, and to be involved in bringing about lasting institutional political change. I believe there are so many wonderful people in the Church who love Jesus and want to show His love to others. During my time with JPIT, I am excited to see how we can mobilise and empower these individuals to use this passion in a practical way that can lead to real, radical change. Before I went to University I was given this Franciscan blessing. I still have it framed in my room:
This is my prayer for the Church this year—that we can boldly step out in faith, pursuing justice and having the confidence that God can use us to make a real difference in our world. The post Introducing Josie appeared first on Joint Public Issues Team. |
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