The Boston Faith & Justice Network is a community of Christians committed to alleviating poverty and promoting just stewardship.

We believe that over-consumption and unjust consumption may just be emptying our bank accounts, exhausting the world’s dearest resources, and fueling the exploitation of the most vulnerable. Something must change inside our souls and in our communities to set things right. So, together,we are taking these steps.

1. Live Gratefully. Many of us have lost track of how much is actually enough. We make promises to buy less, but these promises are hard to keep. The BFJN organizes small groups that support each other in spending less, buying justly, and giving collectively. It all begins with giving thanks.

2. Change our Community. All around us, advertising urges “buy more!” What if our community reflected a different set of values: respect and dignity for people and creation. The BFJN is seeking to make ours a more just community, starting by increasing Fair Trade in neighborhoods throughout Boston and beyond.

3. Advocate. Good policies enable people to steward and enjoy God’s blessings together. Good policies include the interests of those who are the poor at the highest levels of decision-making – not just those who are rich and powerful. The BFJN partners with organizations like the Micah Challenge to advocate for policies we believe will make a difference in the lives of those who are poor.

Who we are

The BFJN is a member-led, Christian organization, founded in 2006, sponsored by the Emmanuel Gospel Center, and based in Greater Boston. If you’d like to get involved as an individual or as part of a church or organization or simply learn more, please email us at members [at] bostonfaithjustice.org.

Staff

Ryan Scott McDonnell, Executive Director (ryan@bostonfaithjustice.org)

Ryan has a deep belief that Christians should be at the forefront of justice movements supporting the poor and the oppressed. Ryan has worked with humanitarian non-profit organizations in Liberia, South Africa and the United States. Before coming to BFJN, Ryan managed a federally-funded program to integrate refugees in to Boston and surrounding areas. Ryan has a Masters degree in international development from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa and is an active public speaker and consultant on micro finance and refugee related issues.

Seth Wispelwey, Lead Fair Trade Boston Organizer (seth@fairtradeboston.org)

Seth Wispelwey recently returned to Boston after 25 years, but this time with a wife, 2 dogs, and a background in grassroots organizing around faith and justice issues instead of a sky-high curly blonde afro and a penchant for asking every Harvard Square musician to play Kermit the Frog’s “It’s Not Easy Being Green.”  He was regional organizer for the ONE Campaign and then Bread for the World in Texas/Oklahoma in the four years prior to landing in Cambridge.  Engaging and acting on the multi-varied aspects of food and trade justice makes Seth a complete person, so please keep that in mind when he calls.  He is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a concentration in English whose bio is reading you.  Seth can’t wait to see you all out there for World Fair Trade Day on May 8th!

Liz Green, Fair Trade Boston Organizer (liz@fairtradeboston.org)

Liz is a long-time BFJN-er with a passion for fair and sustainable food, both locally and globally. Liz grew up in the Boston area and studied political science at  Wheaton College in Illinois.  After college Liz moved to Washington, DC to do public policy and advocacy with Sojourners. She came back to Boston in the fall of 2006 to organize congregations through the advocacy arm of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. In spring 2008 Liz began working in small-scale organic farming outside of Boston. She’ll be working with us until the ground thaws and it’s time to begin planting.

Savanah Eichfeld, Organizing Intern (savanah@fairtradeboston.org)

Savanah is a recent graduate from Gordon College with a double major in German and International Affairs.  Her internship with BFJN is the result of her desire to expand her understanding of ways the church can help to alleviate poverty and empower social justice.  For the future, she hopes to widen her education and level of experience in development related issues, so that she can eventually take part in hands-on projects within the US and abroad.

Keri O’Brian, Communications Intern (keri.obrian@gordon.edu)

Before coming to BFJN, Keri attended Gordon College on Massachusetts’ North Shore where she studied Communications, Art, and Biblical Studies.  Her passion for local and global economic justice as well as her love of art and design has led her to work as BFJN’s graphic design/communications intern.

Advisory Board

Dean Borgman, Professor of Youth Ministries, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Bart Campolo, Founder and Chaplain, Mission Year
Nathan George, Founder and CEO, Trade as One
Dr. Paul D. Hanson, Professor, Harvard Divinity School
Dr. Rodney Petersen, Executive Director, Theological Institute
Ruth Padilla DeBorst, President, Latin American Theological Fellowship
Dr. Eldin Villafane, Professor, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Robert Zachritz, Director of Advocacy and Government Relations, World Vision