In James’ letter to “the twelve tribes in dispersion” (a symbolic reference to the Church as the new Israel) we are reminded, “faith without works is dead.” (James 2.20)  The Franciscan Coalition believes the converse is also true: “works without faith is dead.”

Our Franciscan heritage is central to who we are and what we do.  St. Francis and those who imitated his life in devotion to Christ have long tried to live an integrated life of faith and works.  Following St. Francis, the work of the Franciscan Coalition stems from our faith commitments and passion for bearing witness to the Gospel.

St.  Bonaventure, in his Life of St. Francis of Assisi, offers the following insight regarding the life, passion, mission, and teaching of our patron:

“He affirmed that a religious [person] ought to desire above every other gift the grace of prayer and believing that without it no progress can be made in the service of God, he labored, by every means in his power, to excite his [sisters and brothers] to it’s exercise.”* (p. 94)

All that St. Francis accomplished – all the many stories of radical service, impassioned advocacy, and miraculous works – stemmed from his connection to a Source beyond himself.  This insight is indispensable.  Our connectedness to this Source is a fundamental precondition to our work.  It is a reminder that ours is not a task to “achieve” and “accomplish,” but to receive and witness.  We are reminded that our call is one of witnessing to the victory won on the cross and await a kingdom where peace and justice reign.  We are reminded that we are not the source of justice and peace, but that we are recipients of it by the grace of God.  We receive and bear witness to a gift that is already been given.

With this in mind, the Coalition endeavors to enhance the sense of “spirituality” of justice – which seems to be so often brushed aside amidst the activity.  We seek to do so in the following ways:

- Spiritual retreats (with a focus on the work of justice and peace)

- Prayer and reflection guides

- Community building activities

If you are interested in participating in any of these activities or receiving any of the materials we have produced to help facilitate the connection between the work of justice and the faith that motivates us, feel free to contact us.

*Edited to avoid antiquated and gender-specific language.