Social Justice and Faith

The new vicar for Community Justice Ministry in the Diocese of Long Island, the Rev. Marie A. Tatro, was asked by Newsday in January, “What role does social justice play in your faith?”  Mo. Tatro, who worked as an attorney for 20 years in non-profit organizations representing low-income New Yorkers before seminary, provided this reply:

“The narrative arc of the Bible is a story of migration: oppressed people journeying from place-to-place, seeking refuge, finding G-d in holy places, in seemingly ordinary places throughout G-d's creation, and finding holiness in one another, since we are all wonderful made in G-d's image. As a Jesus-follower, the vows of my baptismal covenant require that I "strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being." 

As our observance of MLK's prophetic witness draws near, it is especially important to renew those vows. In these times when so many of our sisters and brothers of color continue to be dehumanized by the powers and principalities -- whether it be at the southern border, in prisons, schools, or in the streets -- my faith deepens my commitment. Our core Gospel message is to embrace the outcast and the most vulnerable among us, and to spread G-d's love to all.

Along with hundreds of our interfaith partners across Long Island, our diocese will continue to put the beauty and power of G-d's love into action, resting in our faith that the arc of history bends toward justice.”

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