Theological Statement
March, 2002

1.  We are people of faith united in seeking social justice.  We are racially, culturally, ethnically, socially, economically and religiously diverse, but we are united by an overarching belief in the principles of justice. Our common understandings of God's will for human life bring us together, building leadership and action for justice in the city.
a.  We all recognize the inherent worth and dignity of ALL people. Every human being is a sacred and beloved child of God.  God wants each one to enjoy the fullness of life.
b. We all recognize the oneness of humankind.  We are all children of the same family.
c.  We all recognize the need for Tikkun Olam, for the "repairing of the world." We believe God calls people of faith to work for a just society, to bring justice and reconciliation to a broken world.
d. Justice is NOT punishment or vengeance.  Justice IS a state of rightness in which the value and well-being of all people are protected.
e. A just society means that ALL people have ample access to the following:
                  Food
                 Clothing
                 Housing
                 Physical Integrity and Safety
                 Education
                 Employment
                 Healthcare
                 Self-determination in the democratic process
                 Freedom and Power to make decisions that affect one's life
                

We believe that citizens and leaders share responsibility for structuring a just society, a city in which all people have sufficient access to these basic needs and rights.  The basic needs and rights in this list do not guarantee someone will enjoy the fullness of life, but they are a pre-condition for healthy human life.

We believe that these conditions are not being met in Nashville.  Gross inequities exist in our city.  Systemic impediments unfairly oppress some citizens.  Many of our sisters and brothers suffer needlessly while others have far more than they need.

3. We believe that a society is judged not by the prowess of the strong, but by the well-being of the weak.  Whether the vision is expressed in terms of the beloved community, the kingdom of heaven, the peaceable realm, or the messianic age, we agree that God wants a society in which all humans thrive as individuals in community.

4. We believe that the central demands upon us as people of faith are to love and to do justice.  In the words of Micah 6:8: "What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"  Such was the mission of Jesus when he announced he had come "to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:18-19)

5. Therefore, as people of faith, we respond to God's call by uniting to work for social justice.  We as TNT congregations unite to use our collective power in the legal, political, theological, and economic spheres of Nashville to shape public policy to enact justice.