27 April 2024

Territorial Justice and Reconciliation Youth Forum: Rising to the challenge

Matt and Hannah

A photo shows the members of the Territorial Justice and Reconciliation Youth Forum gathered around a large table in THQ.

Matt (York) and Hannah (Sheerness) introduce the Territorial Justice and Reconciliation Youth Forum.

Two years ago, Collins Dictionary named ‘permacrisis’ as their word of the year. We had lived through a global pandemic, felt the squeeze of spiralling energy costs and watched war, climate disasters, a tanking economy, political turmoil and global insecurity threaten those already most vulnerable in society. Justice, reconciliation and a politics of empathy seemed far from reach.

There were, however, millions of ordinary people playing their small part in the work of change. Joanna Taylor (Children and Youth Department) was already working on plans to platform the voices of young people in The Salvation Army’s work towards justice and reconciliation. Now, with Territorial Co-ordinator for Justice and Reconciliation Major Nick Coke and Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary Lieutenant Jonny Whitmore, she has brought together the first ever Territorial Justice and Reconciliation Youth Forum.

The forum is a collective of 17 young people with a central, faith-grounded commitment to work for justice and reconciliation, ‘on Earth as it is in Heaven’ (Matthew 6:10). We gathered for the first time in March at THQ for discussion, reflection and vision-building

A photo shows members of the Territorial Justice and Reconciliation Youth Forum in discussion while sat on sofas in THQ.

Matt co-chair
Hannah C co-chair
Jonah secretary
Hannah P wellbeing lead
Naomi widening participation lead

Climate Sub-group

Eva sub-group lead
Grace
Naomi
Niamh
Bethany

Mental Health Sub-group

Jasper sub-group lead
Abi
Hannah P
Amy
Megan

Modern Slavery Sub-group

Caden sub-group lead
Tilly
Connor
Jazmine

It began with introductions from Major Nick and a reminder of our Christ-centred vision of fullness of life for all. Icebreaker games with Lieutenant Jonny brought everyone out of their shells, sparking excited conversation and requiring clear communication – a skill vital for the afternoon’s discussions.

We looked out from THQ’s rooftop terrace and were encouraged to notice landmarks, listening to where God was calling us to seek justice in society. This was followed by a visit to the International Heritage Centre, full of stories of the Army’s rich history of justice-seeking. Displays illustrating decades of frontline work acted as a reminder that we do not do this work in isolation; we belong to an ecosystem of social change and must not lose sight of our identity and calling in the fight for a just society.

All these reflections proved valuable for the afternoon’s discussions, where we thought more deeply about our forum’s place among all the other organisations working for social justice. We explored the standards we should hold ourselves to, with a particular emphasis on the way we speak about other people. If we believe every person is created in the image of God, how does that change our relationships with those we disagree with? How might it inform the language we use about them?

A photo shows members of the Territorial Justice and Reconciliation Youth Forum in discussion while sat around tables in a small meeting room in THQ.

As we move forward, we are thrilled to introduce the forum and the committee that will lead each area of work.

The afternoon also included discussions about the specific issues the forum should focus on. We thought about areas we are passionate about and have in common. These were complex discussions, but each member rose to the challenge with understanding and eloquence.

The forum’s three focuses for the next year are mental health, the climate emergency and modern slavery, with the common thread of electoral participation among young people as we approach a UK general election.

While the forum has been established to work on issues in wider society, it is important to note that our desire for justice and reconciliation applies to the internal Salvation Army too. Our recommendations to the leadership of this territory will not neglect this.

Getting to know...

Why did you apply to the forum?

Because I love God. When I heard about this exciting new initiative as The Salvation Army navigates – but continues to serve and love – an ever-changing society, it struck a chord with me. God is a God of Justice and it never fails to stir my heart when I see time and time again that justice and reconciliation is woven throughout the Bible. God calls us to work in partnership with him, responding to needs and serving the communities in which we are placed – and to seek justice and reconciliation. It’s this passion that urged me to apply for the forum.

What impact do you hope the forum will have?

I hope the forum will ignite and encourage conversations that are timely, meaningful and most importantly scattered with the love that we each have for God, and the shared desire for this love to be a beacon. I also pray that God will be our focus, our grounding and ultimately be glorified in all we seek to do. There are some challenging topics, but we can be confident that we have a God who strengthens us and that we can approach Christ with a humble boldness, knowing that his love covers us entirely – and we are liberated to take seemingly risky decisions for the sake of the gospel, knowing that God’s love is steadfast.

How did you find the first meeting?

The first meeting was a weekend of many blessings and it was great to begin this journey with such a diverse group of young people, all unique but united by our passion for justice and love for God. As we spent time at William Booth College, THQ and the International Heritage Centre, I was reminded just how faithful God has been throughout the history of The Salvation Army, and just how blessed we are to be part of a Church with such a rich heritage of social justice and action. It was such an encouragement to see how God continues to work so faithfully, and I firmly believe that, as we continue to place God at the centre of what we do, God’s love will flow abundantly. It’s exciting to see what God has in store as we work with and adapt to the society we serve, being sensitive, open and responsive – and importantly remaining rooted in the God of justice that The Salvation Army is built upon.

‘Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments’ (Deuteronomy 7:9).

Why did you apply to the forum?

I applied to the forum as I felt it would be a great opportunity to be part of something that I hope will have a positive impact. Being part of social justice campaigns in the past has grown my passion and developed my understanding of social justice issues.

What impact do you hope the forum will have?

My hope is that the views of a diverse group of young people will be heard by Salvation Army leaders and that our ideas and views shared will influence decisions made in the future.

How did you find the first meeting?

The first meeting was a great opportunity to meet other young people with a passion for social justice and begin to talk about issues that are important to us. It was a really encouraging day. It was great to be in a group where everyone was respected and listened to.

Why did you apply?

I wanted to come out of my comfort zone and try something new.

What impact do you hope the forum will have?

That younger generations will understand that they have voices and can be heard and listened to. For change to happen and for us all to listen to each other and come to an agreement too.

Why did you apply?

I applied because growing up in The Salvation Army, I was surrounded by stories of Salvationists changing the world. I always loved the idea of taking part in making real world change, and so I jumped at the opportunity to make my voice heard and to fight for change.

What impact do you hope the forum will have?

To put it simply, I hope the forum can help everyone to feel loved, as is our calling as Christians. Specifically, I hope we can be a tool to help the most disenfranchised people, who feel abandoned by society, that there is a place for them, that they are loved, welcomed, and respected.

How did you find the first meeting?

The first meeting was really good. We were able to more specifically decide the mission of the forum, while putting it in a historical context. We were able to decide upon the forum’s focuses, and it was good to speak with people from a range of backgrounds and opinions.

We are hugely grateful for the support we have received already. As we move forward, we are thrilled to introduce the forum and the committee that will lead each area of work. Please pray for the forum, continue to support your local young people and, if there is anything you would like to raise with us, contact childrenyouth@salvationarmy.org.uk.

We know what it is to grow up in a time of permacrisis. We are committed to playing our small part in the work of change.