Amongst the Old Testament’s numerous instructions for human life together is the brief but impactful command: “Don’t undermine the justice that your poor deserve in their lawsuits” (Exodus 23:6 CEB). The kind of society that the people of God are to pursue is one in which the legal system serves all people, rich and poor alike. 

This principle is why City Church partners with Open Door Legal, an organization that seeks to close California’s justice gap and disrupt cycles of poverty by offering universal access to legal services. It’s also why we advocate for city funding for all organizations that offer civil legal services - not only because it’s cost-efficient, but because of our moral conviction that all San Franciscans deserve access to justice. Last spring, we joined Open Door Legal in spiritual and physical solidarity when this funding was on the chopping block. Through fasting, prayer, and public witness, we declared that the legal needs of low-income San Franciscans must not be forgotten - and succeeded at a 70% restoration of funds!

As a new budget cycle approaches, we’ve decided to proactively remind City Hall that civil legal services matter - and we're doing this in partnership with 23 other churches across San Francisco! Last month, this exciting coalition of churches sent an open letter to Mayor Lurie. This week, we're taking our next step.

On Monday, May 4, myself and other representatives from these churches will meet with members of the Mayor’s staff to further emphasize why General Civil Legal Services should stay funded. Please pray for our meeting - that we’ll connect well with our conversation partners and make a strong case for why everyone deserves access to justice. 

with anticipation, 
Amelia Hamiter