ABOUT
F.A.I.T.H. is a 501c3 organization comprised of 30 religious congregations in Volusia County. Though F.A.I.T.H. congregations differ in their racial makeup, socio-economical status and theology, they stand united in their commitment to fulfill God's call to "do Justice". Unlike direct service agencies or "mercy ministries", F.A.I.T.H. does not work to help individuals with immediate needs. Rather, F.A.I.T.H. is a direct action organization made up
of "Justice ministries" that work together to address the root cause of community problems by using the
power of organized people to hold public leaders accountable for fair and just policy.
Mission Statement:
"We are an interfaith, Congregation-based Community Organization. Our member Congregations pledge to build powerful Justice Ministries within their own congregations and to work together to address the root causes of issues of injustice in Volusia County."
F.A.I.T.H. is a 501c3 organization comprised of 30 religious congregations in Volusia County. Though F.A.I.T.H. congregations differ in their racial makeup, socio-economical status and theology, they stand united in their commitment to fulfill God's call to "do Justice". Unlike direct service agencies or "mercy ministries", F.A.I.T.H. does not work to help individuals with immediate needs. Rather, F.A.I.T.H. is a direct action organization made up
of "Justice ministries" that work together to address the root cause of community problems by using the
power of organized people to hold public leaders accountable for fair and just policy.
Mission Statement:
"We are an interfaith, Congregation-based Community Organization. Our member Congregations pledge to build powerful Justice Ministries within their own congregations and to work together to address the root causes of issues of injustice in Volusia County."
Current Campaigns
F.A.I.T.H. Updates
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More About F.A.I.T.H.F.A.I.T.H. maintains a strong presence in the public sphere, championing causes that member congregations jointly decide to address. Leaders from F.A.I.T.H. congregations work with elected officials and community leaders to ensure fair policies are put in place, especially for the poor, the widow and the orphan. Every year, F.A.I.T.H. recreates the Prophet Nehemiah's "Great Assembly" in Old Testament scripture by gathering thousands of people together to address public officials at the Action Assembly. At the Assembly, public officials are asked to make a commitment in front of their constituents to use their power to make certain actions that will help to reverse injustices in Volusia County. Using this process, F.A.I.T.H. has secured important commitments that have resulted in many positive changes: the creation of a health clinic for the uninsured, the expansion of public transportation access, the diversion of non-violent youth offenders from arrests, etc.
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Our Goals |
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Provide a vehicle for people of faith in Volusia county to live out their duty to "do Justice".
Build strong relationships both within and among our congregations. Identify problems of social justice in our community. Create solutions that address the root cause of the problems of social justice that we identify. Stand united on agreed-upon issues of justice and fairness, and hold political and economic systems accountable to what God created them to be. |
Our History |
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In 1996, several clergy and lay leaders in Volusia County began meeting to discuss the idea of forming an organization to address some of the problems they saw in their communities. The rationale was that many people joining together, speaking with one voice, would be heard by those who could effect change for the advancement of Volusia County. With grants from various foundations, a coordinator was hired to organize the religious communities into a cohesive entity to work toward building power to achieve this goal. Sixteen pastors bound their congregations by a covenant. On January 24, 2000, 700 people attended this Covenant Assembly and F.A.I.T.H. was born!
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