Dialogue: Jolyon White

12 Apr 2010

Jolyon White is the most recent addition to the Anglican Care team, working as the Social Justice enabler within the diocese. Spanky Moore cornered him at the water cooler to ask those big questions.

A lot of different ideas spring to mind when people say ‘social justice.’ What does it mean to you? In many ways it's simply about participating in the kingdom of God. It’s about what is right and fair between people, and challenging our systems when they prevent that. But justice is not our goal – peace and wholeness is. Social justice is just the minimum requirement for peace. If there is brokenness and grief created by the way we live together, there will be no true peace, even for those who most benefit from the status quo.

Social Justice Enabler sounds like a bit of a nebulous title; what exactly will your job entail? There is always a danger that someone in a position like this is seen as the person that does social justice on our behalf. The term enabler suggests the goal is to assist, resource, and encourage others to develop their own social justice engagement. The role is partly that of catalyst, and sometimes irritant. But the role is still in formation and I am looking for the input of anyone interested.

Some of the issues our communities face seem so big that it’s hard to know how our own churches can have any impact. What opportunities are there for our parishes to up their game in the social justice stakes? Take the near edge of some great issue and act at some cost to ourselves.... All big issues have small steps with which to begin. There are lots of practical projects and ideas other parishes and churches are trying. But the question is much bigger than adding another project. Especially since everyone is already so busy. It’s a conversation I'd love to have with parishes. Sometimes reflecting with an outside voice can be really helpful.

Anglicans have a strong tradition of seeking to overturn unjust social structures. Do you think this could be a key to seeing young people re-engage with faith in our parishes? Young people can be idealistic in their view of right and wrong. They can be passionate and are not as invested in the way things currently are. They do not identify with denominations or institutions; they identify with causes and movements. If they do not see the way God’s heart for the poor and dispossessed is lived out, they have no reason to stay… so, yes, it’s key to engaging our young people.

To my knowledge, you’re the only staff member at the Anglican Centre who owns and is currently living in a house bus – and yet you seem pretty normal. What lead you to your choice of mobile accommodation? When I went to study theology I was angered by the way students are drawn so deeply into debt. The banks encourage it, even standing on campus offering credit. I didn't want to be part of it. Living in and gradually converting a bus, among other things, made living cheap enough that I could study without a loan. I have kept it, so I can come live in your driveway for a while – say, next week?

PHOTO: Spanky Moore