The Presbyterian Office of Public Witness releases updated citizen action guide for times such as these
The digital booklet is designed to move people from holy restlessness to civic engagement
LOUISVILLE — The Washington-based Presbyterian Office of Public Witness has updated its classic “Holy Discontentment” guide for those who want to engage in public life through advocacy, organizing and witness.
The free digital booklet is available for download (under "Resources") by Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) members or anyone experiencing holy discontentment, which the publication describes as “a faithful discomfort, rooted in hope for something better.”
Grounded in the Reformed tradition and the social witness policies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the newly released guide offers both theological grounding and practical tools for individuals, congregations and mid councils seeking to respond to injustice, the booklet says.
Being moved to civic action is a “prophetic impulse” that “is woven into our public witness,” said the Rev. Christina Cosby, Representative for Domestic Issues & Environmental Justice for OPW. “PC(USA) social witness policy repeatedly reminds the church that silence in the face of injustice is not neutrality, but complicity.”
In keeping with the fact that much of the PC(USA)’s work is ecumenical and interfaith, use of the guide is not limited to Presbyterians.
“While it is written with Presbyterians in mind, 'Holy Discontentment' is for anyone, of any Christian tradition, who wants to get more involved in the democratic process,” said Ivy Lopedito, Mission Associate for OPW. “The heart of ‘Holy Discontentment’ is the belief that faithful frustration, rooted in God’s vision for justice and compassion, can move us toward action. This resource helps people use that holy restlessness inside of them into meaningful, hopeful civic engagement.”
A few of the things that the guide can help readers with include:
- Getting to know OPW and how it can help them.
- Learning about the importance of interfaith collaboration.
- Communicating effectively with elected leaders.
- Using social media to further causes and promote sound policy.
Though the “Holy Discontentment” guide has been around for many years, OPW felt “it was time to create an updated version because we are living in a pivotal moment, one in which our collective voice and public witness are urgently needed,” Lopedito said. “This update equips advocates for today’s political realities while staying rooted in our theological commitments.”
Cosby noted that holy discontent is an act of discipleship.
“It is how we join God in repairing the world. It is how the church remains faithful to its calling. And it is how the Spirit moves us from simply naming what is challenging society toward participating in what is bringing God’s justice for all,” Cosby added.
She also noted that multiple examples of advocacy following holy discontent can be found in the Bible.
“Throughout Scripture, God’s people are moved to speak and act when they encounter what is contrary to God’s vision for Creation and our neighbors,” she said. For example, “Moses shows holy discontent when he confronts injustice in Egypt (Exodus 3). ... And Jesus himself embodies holy discontent when he challenges systems that exclude, exploit, or harm throughout the gospels.”
OPW encourages everyone with a desire for a better country to make use of the "Holy Discontentment" guide.
"We hope as many people as possible will engage with it,” Lopedito said.
Check out OPW’s promotional videos, featuring former summer fellows Atticus Gore and Olivia Phelps, on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
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