Social justice advocates challenged to put mercy in action

Washington, DC (CNS) – Activist Lisa Sharon Harper stood before a ballroom full of young social justice advocates and told them: “All of us, every human on earth, is a representative figure of God. … Not on our watch will the image of God be so fervently crushed. Not on our watch.” Harper, chief church engagement officer for Sojourners, a Christian nonprofit that advocates for social justice, peace and the environment, challenged the crowd, “Are you ready to go to the halls of Congress, to tell Republicans and Democrats, ‘Not on our watch’?” Harper gave one of three keynote speeches at the 19th annual Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice Nov. 12-14.