Church in Fort Worth sets example for how to advocate for justice

Fellowship Southwest supporting congregation Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, is doing impactful, courageous, and faithful advocacy we think you should know about. Take a few moments to read this in-depth article from Baptist News Global about Broadway’s Justice Committee and their local advocacy work. The church has been a leader in the city calling for improved conditions and procedures at the Tarrant County Jail and for an independent investigation into why 39 inmates have died since 2019.

Not only has their work caught the attention of BNG, but the Fort Worth Star Telegram has also featured the work of Broadway as they have published a series of investigative reports on conditions at the jail.

The church is an example of how to go about pursuing justice on behalf of prisoners and the marginalized that all churches can learn from.

First, there is hardly a more biblical calling than speaking up for prisoners. In Matthew 25 Jesus declares we will be judged by how we treat prisoners. This work is rooted in the good news of the gospel - exactly the type of work that Christians and churches should be about.

Second, they began preparing for this justice work before they knew what they may be called to do. They surely had ideas, but the committee and church as a whole remained open to where the spirit may lead and where they might encounter injustice and their voices were most needed.

Third, they consulted experts from outside the congregation like Texas Jail Project, mental health experts, and also leaned on the experience in their midst like church member Lydia Bean. Effective advocacy demands education and listening to others, both policy or issue advocates and those directly impacted by injustice.

Fourth, they were unafraid to speak truth to power. In private meetings and at public hearings they expressed their concerns and asked for answers from the sheriff and elected officials. Speaking truth to power doesn’t mean being unnecessarily confrontational or burning bridges, but the advocates refused to be dismissed as "just some church group." There are powerful people who are not happy about their work. Challenging the system, wrestling with principalities and powers, takes courage.

Finally, they brought others along. As the Justice Committee became more invested in the case of Robert Miller and asking for an independent Department of Justice investigation, they broadened their network and worked in coalition with the Circle of Clergy and others. Successful advocacy is rarely the result of the work of one individual, church, or organization. Finding others that share your concern is key. The more diverse the coalition the better. When a wide range of folks who may rarely work together lift up a concern, it is more likely to be addressed.

For these and other reasons Broadway is engaged in the type powerful and important church based advocacy that is all too rare. If you’re in Fort Worth I hope you’ll consider supporting or joining their efforts. If you’re not in Fort Worth, be praying about how your church can prepare for impactful, faithful advocacy work. May God bless their efforts and may their work lead to justice.