For I, the Lord, love justice;
    I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
In my faithfulness I will reward my people
    and make an everlasting covenant with them.

- Isaiah 61:8

Human Trafficking

A recent CBC report cites Statistics Canada data reporting there were 5,070 human trafficking incidents reported by police services in Canada from 2014 to 2024, representing an average annual rate of 1.2 incidents per 100,000 population. The vast majority of victims were women and girls, two-thirds of whom were younger than 25. The government warns, however, the true extent of human trafficking is unknown as many victims go unrecognized.

Part of the picture of sexual exploitation is the role of buyers who fuel and perpetuate this industry. Therefore, a component of ending human trafficking must dedicate itself to raising awareness about the realities of trafficking, teaching healthy consent early on, reducing online anonymity that enables exploitation networks, training frontline workers such as hotel staff to recognize trafficking signs, and challenging cultural attitudes that normalize masculinity through objectification of women’s bodies.

Ultimately, prevention is not only about laws and enforcement, but about forming a society that values human dignity, mutual responsibility, and care for the vulnerable. The Church can play a profound role in this formation by embodying Christ and facilitating opportunities to form genuine and lived relationships with God that reclaim hearts and minds.

Creator God, teach us to love our neighbours as ourselves. Empower us to love well, to protect the vulnerable, and to guide others as we seek to follow you. Heal our society from distorted understandings of sexuality shaped by domination, coercion, and commodification. We grieve how far we have drifted from your vision of human dignity and mutual care. Restore us, Lord, for the sake of those who are exploited, isolated, and preyed upon.

Ebola Outbreak in Africa

A growing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.” Current reports indicate more than 130 deaths and over 500 concerning cases. Health experts warn that outbreaks like this, if not contained early, can rapidly become catastrophic in regions with fragile healthcare systems.

Justice requires us to recognize that disease is deeply interconnected with other ongoing realities rather than isolated crises. Prolonged violence in neighbouring Sudan, for instance, has caused tens of thousands of deaths and mass displacement. Epidemics therefore disproportionately affect communities already suffering from trauma, poverty, overcrowding, and weakened healthcare infrastructure.

God of mercy, we see suffering multiplying across nations through violence and disease. Strengthen and equip those bringing healing and care. Thank you that the WHO has sounded an alarm. May this lead to a widespread and compassionate response from world leaders that addresses not only the epidemic itself, but also the deeper conditions upstream that allow such crises to flourish: war, displacement, trauma, poverty, and weak healthcare systems. For the sake of the vulnerable, we pray. 

War in the Middle East

Rising tensions between the United States and Iran have again raised fears of renewed military escalation after reports that President Trump threatened additional strikes and then retracted them. 

From a justice perspective, war is not merely a geopolitical strategy but a sign of a world far removed from shalom: the biblical vision of wholeness, peace, flourishing, and right relationship. Threats of violence and cycles of retaliation reveal how the ability to powerfully dominate continues to shape our globe. Inevitably, it's the ordinary people that bear the greatest burden through violence, trauma and grief. 

God of peace, we pray for You to interrupt the logic of violence. Grant wisdom and humility to leaders and courage to those working toward reconciliation. Protect civilians and bring Your shalom near. Forgive us for submitting to worldly metrics that equate strength with control, rather than Jesus’ metrics that demonstrate power in foot washing.

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

Beyond the Headlines: Faith, Community and the Stories that Shape Us

Join a new justice education series from Thrive, World Renew, and the Christian Reformed Centre for Public Dialogue. This four-part series explores immigration, food justice, climate justice, and gender justice through a biblical lens—equipping participants to recognize harmful narratives, understand root causes, and take meaningful, faith-informed action. Learn more and register today!