Connect in Your Community
Faith Communities
While the debate about school reform has been argued on educational, political, and legal grounds, the faith community has helped to frame the inequity in school funding as a moral crisis for our communities, as they have helped to frame other civil rights issues in the past.
The most famous civil rights leader of the twentieth century was a minister, Martin Luther King, Jr. The most powerful moments of the civil rights movement include marchers singing hymns as they faced violent resistance and clergy of many faiths joining hands to challenge the deep traditions of communities divided for centuries by race. Diverse religious communities seemed united by a goal that was at the same time a fundamental civic goal and a deeply spiritual quest.
The civil rights issue of our day centers on equitable funding for public education and assuring that every child has an equal chance to succeed.
We welcome the participation of clergy and lay leadership to advocate on behalf of school reform in Pennsylvania. Here are resources to educate, inspire and mobilize your congregation:
Charity Vs. Justice
While charity is at the core of many faith communities, advocacy is often less familiar. In fact, charitable deed and public policy advocacy are both part of a continuum, each perspective stregthening the other. Click here for material to spur discussion about where your faith community may find itself on this continuum.
Sermon Suggestions
Download Christian Sermon Suggestions (PDF) | Jewish Sermon Suggestions (PDF)
We encourage clergy and rabbis to raise the call for justice for all children from the pulpit. Good Schools offers the following religious references and prayers to assist in writing sermons that help congregants see the connection to their faith and their work to improve the educational opportunities for all children.
Bulletin Inserts (PDF)
Good Schools Pennsylvania offers houses of worship nine different bulletin inserts. We urge congregations to select at least one insert a month to include in the weekly bulletin. These bulletin inserts may also be used in tandem with the sermon suggestions.
Study and Action Guides
Social Action Committees may find it useful to use our Study and Action Guides to deepen their own knowledge about the issue, so they can in turn lead others in their congregation in advocacy.
Post-Card Writing Event
Consider devoting a Sabbath/Sunday to hosting a postcard writing session after worship to show you concern to state policy makers. Find how to order your postcards.
Invite a Speaker
Good Schools Pennsylvania staff is available to speak to your congregation or social action committee. Presentations can be tailored to meet the needs of your group. To schedule a presentation please contact your local field office.
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