The Struggle for Justice: Conversations with John Bottomley about Transforming Church Community Services

I hate, I despise your religious feasts;

I cannot stand your assemblies…

But let justice roll on like a river,

righteousness like a never-failing stream!

Amos’ passion for social justice is part of the prophetic tradition that has inspired and challenged people of faith for thousands of years. And it is a passion that has informed and sustained the life and ministry of John Bottomley, Uniting Church minister and founder of Creative Ministries Network.

The book records and celebrates that ministry, detailing his work with various agencies that examine the impact of prevailing unjust systems on those who suffer under them, including injured workers, first nations peoples, war veterans and their families.

At the heart of John’s work are relationship and connection. He contrasts this with the orthodox view that sees humanity as essentially competitive and self-interested.

John calls on the church and church community service agencies to heed the

Word of God and be in the forefront of calls for justice. He argues that those who are marginalised in today’s society embody the suffering of Christ and that they must be heard.