Mission Statement:
The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IFJR) exists to confront and address unethical and prejudicial practices within churches, encouraging accountability, equity, and reconciliation. Grounded in biblical principles of justice and love, we empower churches to identify and dismantle systemic biases, embrace cultural diversity, and restore their witness as beacons of Christ’s love and unity.

Vision Statement:
To see churches transformed into inclusive, just, and reconciling communities that reflect the fullness of God’s kingdom, where every individual is valued, heard, and empowered to thrive.

The church, as a beacon of hope and reconciliation

The church, as a beacon of hope and reconciliation, is called to reflect the love and justice of Christ. However, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness of subconscious bias and prejudice within church organisations and leadership. These biases, often shaped by cultural, racial, or socio-economic factors, can lead to exclusion, misrepresentation, and harm within diverse congregations. Such practices not only undermine the unity of the body of Christ but also diminish the church’s witness to the gospel.

Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IFJR)

The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IFJR) seeks to address these issues by equipping churches and their leaders to confront subconscious bias, embrace cultural diversity, and encourage genuine reconciliation.

The Biblical Mandate for Addressing Grievances

The Bible provides clear guidance on addressing grievances within the church. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus outlines a process for resolving conflicts:

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”

This passage highlights accountability, transparency, and the importance of addressing wrongdoing within the community. Similarly, James 5:16 calls believers to:

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”

These Scriptures emphasise the church’s responsibility to address grievances and encouraging healing. However, many churches today are ill-equipped to handle issues of bias and prejudice, often due to fear of reputational damage, protectionism, or a lack of understanding. This failure not only harms individuals but also weakens the church’s witness to the world.

The Impact of Subconscious Bias in Churches

Subconscious bias refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that influence our perceptions, actions, and decisions without conscious awareness. In churches, these biases can manifest in various ways:

• Lack of Representation – Diverse congregations are often led by homogeneous leadership teams, resulting in a lack of cultural understanding and representation.

• Exclusionary Practices – Certain groups may feel unwelcome or marginalised due to cultural, racial, or socio-economic differences.

• Misinterpretation of Scripture – Bias can lead to the selective interpretation of Scripture, reinforcing harmful stereotypes or exclusionary practices.

• Silencing of Voices – Individuals who raise concerns about bias or prejudice may be dismissed or ostracised, perpetuating a culture of silence.

These practices harm individuals and contradict the biblical call for unity in Christ. As Galatians 3:28 states:

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

The failure to address bias and prejudice undermines this unity and hinders the church’s ability to fulfil its mission.

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