Biblical justice is a comprehensive understanding of justice that is unique and essential to the Christian worldview. Sin has put a schism in our relationship with God, and without a right relationship with God, we struggle to have right relationships with each other. Simply put, broken people create broken systems. Thus, in the face of deep societal injustice, such as systemic racism, it is not enough to address only the system itself. Lasting restorative change comes from rectifying the relationship between broken people and a loving and perfect God. Because of this, the Gospel is crucial. Without it, we only have a temporal view of justice.

We acknowledge and repent that churches, including our own, have often fallen short of this understanding. We may be tempted to be stuck in inactivity from overthinking and over-cautiousness, but as followers of Jesus, we cannot respond to injustice with rationalized inaction, simplified dismissiveness or apathetic indifference. But neither are we called to respond to injustice in flashes of hatred or self-righteousness. Our sense of justice must always be rooted in the confidence of the Gospel message.
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So what does this confidence look like? It is walking in utmost humility with a posture that mirrors Jesus. It is leaning into the cries and pain of our neighbors as well as to the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight (Prov 9:10).” It is the courage to act and take steps of faith but also, the courage to remain steady and grounded as the Spirit leads. Our response as a community must be rooted in relationship — with God and with others. 

‍At this time, we recognize that we have much to learn. In the days, months, and years to come, as we wrestle with these issues, with God’s guidance, we can continually push forward in His truth, love, and hope. Our “God of hope fills [us] with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit [we] may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)

We recommend a helpful primer and FAQ on the differences between social justice and biblical justice.

Our call to the Fillmore

While there are personal convictions each of us must be faithful to, as a body of Christ, we must consider this: where do we begin as a church? Since founded in 2012, Radiance has been committed to the call of restoring justice to our neighborhood in the Fillmore - a community that was once a historically-thriving Black neighborhood, referred to as the “Harlem of the West” that has now fallen victim to failed Urban Renewal attempts.

In the past five years, we’ve learned that the Fillmore is one of the most diverse communities within San Francisco, both culturally and socio-economically. Today, residents range from new-to-the-neighborhood tech workers to community natives who have persevered through the challenges of decades of gentrification. The disparity in opportunities and lack of common experiences has led to high tensions and a fragmented community. And yet, the Fillmore’s rich history shows us that we have an incredible opportunity to participate in the community’s longing for restoration and wholeness. Through our interactions with the residents, we have witnessed and grown to appreciate the stories, resilience, and unique giftings reflected in each individual. These are the reminders of how God has created us in His image. We all have an intrinsic value based solely on His love.
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These times have reaffirmed God’s calling for Radiance to be a part of reconciliation in the Fillmore. As we move forward, we must be rooted in the importance of building relationships and not just programs. We ask that you join us in praying and listening to how God’s Spirit is leading us (Gal 5:16-26). As our church becomes the hands and feet of Jesus that serves and loves the Fillmore, we hope to expand our resources to bless the broader community of San Francisco. If you would like to learn more about the rich history of the Fillmore or get involved with the community, please fill out this form.

• LEARNING - We are committed to learning about racism, oppression, injustice, inequity, and a holistic understanding of justice rooted in the Bible. We will equip our church through a sermon series on racial justice, resources for community groups, materials for families to educate their children, and regular updates of educational resources on this page and other online channels.
• LISTENING - We are committed to hearing from diverse voices, whether that be from behind the pulpit or through conversations our leaders are having with the community to share with our congregation.
• SERVING - We are committed to growing our current relationships with community leaders. Specifically in this season, we are reaching out to local churches and other non-profits to find more tangible ways we can serve together in unity. We're committed to providing opportunities for our congregation to build long-term relationships with people in our neighborhood.
• PERSEVERING - We are committed to persevering in these discussions and continuing to make progress for the long-term. Our first step is to form a committee dedicated to the topic of furthering diversity at our church.
• GIVING - We are committed to giving generously to support justice-led organizations with Kingdom values. Radiance has provided more than $65,000 in grants this year. We are continually looking for organizations that we can both partner and serve alongside with.
• ENGAGING - We are committed to identifying thought partners who can educate us on policies and community agendas that need to be changed or implemented.
• UNITING - We are committed to staying united as a church and body of Christ. #BeKnit (Col 2:1-2)