Counsels on Social Issues

Counsel #24 — Redefining Economic Equity

Picture: Counsel #24 — Redefining Economic Equity CSI 42.1

Imagine two people starting a race, with one standing at the starting line and the other 200 yards behind. That’s what racial disparities in wealth accumulation look like. For generations, minority communities have been systematically shut out of opportunities to progress financially. CSI 42.2

Employment discrimination, segregation, and unequal access to credit are issues that are still prevalent today, even though those in power claim to be doing all they can to stop it. In terms of salary discrepancies, the median wealth of white families is several times higher than that of minority families, not because of a lack of hard work or initiative, but because the starting lines have never been equal. As a public service citizen, addressing economic inequality means fixing the systems that created the gap in the first place. It looks like supporting policies that promote fair housing, equal access to capital, student loan forgiveness, and investment in minority-owned businesses. Overall, it means challenging systems that continue to favor a few at the expense of many. God’s way of justice means leveling the playing field. Not with pity, but with opportunity and inclusion.^[81] CSI 42.3

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah 1:17 NIV CSI 42.4

“There are rights which belong to every individual.” Ellen White in Medical Ministry , p. 275 CSI 42.5

Reflect: How often do you connect faith and justice with economic issues? CSI 42.6