justice and mercy

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
– 1 John 3:18

Citylife believes that a heart authentically moved by the gospel will respond in an outpouring of love. Loving our neighbor as Jesus loved us means opening our hearts to the Spirit’s transformative work: embracing real-life opportunities to re-order priorities, be uncomfortable, and loosen our hold on things that have become idols, whether material or philosophical. In this, God reveals His glory and character to the watching world and to us.

what we do

Equip and enable the Church to pursue mercy and justice for the needy, suffering, and marginalized, as essential attributes of an authentic Christian faith.

Raise awareness and plant seeds to encourage the Church to engage the gospel in thinking about and responding to the injustice and suffering around us.

Form and maintain service partnerships with vetted service providers; offer service opportunities and coordinate volunteers.

Connect and support lay-led ministries and new initiatives ; equip and support lay leaders.

Detail of a platter of s'mores, individually wrapped and each having a tag reading: "God loves you s'more than you know!"

Homelessness

Citylife volunteers provide over 150 meals every month to our unhoused neighbors in Brockton and Somerville.

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Educational Justice

The Boston Public School system reports that 70% of its students are “economically disadvantaged.” More than 4,000 BPS students are homeless. Volunteer as a classroom helper or tutor, or participate in one of our clothing drives.

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Foster Families

Foster families welcome and care for children who have been temporarily removed from their homes by the state for their safety. There is a desperate shortage of loving foster homes for the thousands of children in the MA child welfare system. Not quite ready to be a foster parent? Volunteer to support Citylife foster families with material and babysitting needs.

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Gender Justice

Inequities and unhealthy norms around gender have resulted in a proliferation of sexual abuse and related scandals in recent years, including within the Church. Scripture has been distorted and used to justify abuse and perpetuate harm to victims. Citylife provides specialized support for survivors of abuse and sexual assault.

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Children gathered around a table with volunteers

Disability

Citylife partners with Chinatown Respite Care, whose mission is to share the gospel with Chinese families affected by disability and connect them with neighboring churches.

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