Here we feature Advocacy Groups and Public Interest Law Firms pursuing justice, either through legislation (public policy efforts), litigation (the judicial system), in their own private ways, or in any combination of these. This is especially so in areas correlating with AI’s six core subject advocacy interests.
In short they do advocacy in areas AI supports, championing positions and causes AI aligns with. Advocates are strongly encouraged to seek out appropriate, suitable partnerships with these organizations in pursuing their own justice causes [(See AI’s disclaimer on provision of legal services) (See AI’s disclaimer on provision of legal services).
Section Structure: Section Structure. We have organized these Advocacy Groups into six primary sets:(i) Independent ones, involved in these six areas (if an organization works in more than one area, we attempt to highlight its primary area(s), and then cross-list them, in abbreviated fashion, in any other applicable areas). This is followed by other special categories, beyond these 6 main categories, which we saw as important and wanted to add. These are (ii) Specific – Law School/University Advocacy Programs, (iii) Intercessory Prayer Networks for Justice, (iv) Capacity Building Programs (Systemic Development Advocacy), and closely related to that category, (v) Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Aid Groups. In a short sixth section, (vi) we cross-list some of the Study Centers/Institutes, Researchers, and Think Tanks (described in the Study Centers/Institutes Square) who have some serious advocacy component to their work, but who serve primarily in an educational/scholarship capacity (they are primarily listed and described in the Study Centers/Institutes Square, and short-listed here).
AI Six Core Advocacy Areas
(1) Promoting rule of law (seeking good governance, fighting corruption)
(2) Protecting religious liberty (keeping legal doors open for sharing the gospel)
(3) Pursuing rights and justice for the poor, needy, and oppressed (access to justice, anti-sex trafficking, helping refugees, etc.)
(4) Safeguarding sanctity of human life (against abortion, suicide, euthanasia, stem cell issues)
(5) Defending traditional marriage and family in accordance with God’s design (against secularism’s re-definitions)
(6) Advancing peace and reconciliation (interpersonal or international)
In addition to these, some advocacy resources, such as white papers and attorney research or sensitive work product regarding specialized subjects and issues, are available only in the Supplemental Advocacy Resources Square (SAR), in the Advocacy Resources tab above. Signing in and restricted access may be required in some instances.
International Focus: The Advocacy Groups listed here include U.S. and International organizations. The former are included here, if, in our view, they contribute significantly by providing tools and ideas suitable for international application on issues above, or, if they have a clear, international scope or focus in their services.
- I. Independent Groups Working Similarly in AI’s Six Areas of Interest
- II. Specific Law School, University Related Advocacy Programs
- III. Intercessory Prayer for Justice
- IV. Capacity Building, Sustainable Development
- V. Christian Humanitarian Aid, Disaster Relief
- VI. Study Centers/ Institutes Having an Advocacy Component in Their Work
(i) Independent Groups Working Similarly in AI’s Six Areas of Interest
Several groups here work in more than one interest area to AI, and we try to note that. We first describe an organization in the advocacy category it seems most closely associated with, and then cross-list it in other categories of its activities, using a short reference. In situations where an organization is involved in several key advocacy interests, we try to indicate such interests in order of seeming priority to the organization itself.
(1) Anti-Corruption, Rule of Law
While all organizations in the Advocacy Groups page can be said to promote Rule of Law, and seek to stamp out Corruption at some level, (simply because they are pursuing Justice), this category is specifically reserved for those organizations combating corruption in the civil government and connected private sector spheres, as a core activity of their work.
GTP “multiplies disciples of faithful administration and mobilizes peer accountability groups to increase gospel participation in every nation.” GTP is committed to coaching and improving ethical financial stewardship of churches and ministries in the Body of Christ, and in some cases, business, and other sectors in a nation. It has grown out of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA, in the USA), which is a solid accrediting organization in this important area of Christian stewardship. Anti-corruption should, after all, first be emulated in the Church.
International Justice Mission (IJM) [see description in Section (3)]
This organization works to rectify numerous situations of modern-day slavery.
Lawyers Without Borders (USA and International)
Not a Christian organization but a useful one. LWOB works specifically on Rule of Law and Anti-corruption, through nation-building projects, including training for electoral supervision, in-court trial skills assistance, capacity building in justice sectors, and human rights work. It maganges and trains pro bono volunteer lawyers relying on its connections with international law firms around the world. It has offices in Washington, D.C., London, and Kenya.
Regent University Law School, Center for Global Justice [see in Univ. Law School Advocacy Programs below]
Transparency International
Not a specifically Christian organization, but a very useful one, also known as “the global coalition against corruption.” As stated on their site: “[f]rom villages in rural India to the corridors of power in Brussels, Transparency International gives voice to the victims and witnesses of corruption. We work together with governments, businesses and citizens to stop the abuse of power, bribery and secret deals. As a global movement with one vision, we want a world free of corruption. Through chapters in more than 100 countries and an international secretariat in Berlin, we are leading the fight against corruption to turn this vision into reality.” TI is famous for its Transparency Index and its rankings of nations for corruption.
Unashamedly Ethical (Africa and Global)
“Unashamedly Ethical is a global movement of individuals and organisations guided by a founding vision to transform society by taking a stand for ethics, values and clean living. The goal of this movement is to develop an unashamedly ethical culture among this generation of leaders and the next.” Their vision is “Transforming Leaders | Transforming Nations.”
World Justice Project (USA and Global)
“The World Justice Project® (WJP) is an independent, multidisciplinary organization working to advance the rule of law worldwide. . . Effective rule of law reduces corruption, combats poverty and disease, and protects people from injustices large and small. It is the foundation for communities of justice, opportunity, and peace—underpinning development, accountable government, and respect for fundamental rights. . .
Traditionally, the rule of law has been viewed as the domain of lawyers and judges. But everyday issues of safety, rights, justice, and governance affect us all; everyone is a stakeholder in the rule of law. . . [WJP has] an active and global network, and practical, locally led programs to advance the rule of law worldwide.
Founded by William H. Neukom in 2006 as a presidential initiative of the American Bar Association (ABA) . . .World Justice Project . . . [is] an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization . . . Its offices are located in Washington DC, Seattle, Singapore, and Mexico City.”
(2) Religious Liberty
The Advocacy Groups here are indicated for their service and ability in keeping the door open for sharing and advancing the gospel around the globe, and for assisting the Church in being able to do its work, especially through legal and judicial channels. Some of these groups naturally overlap into other service categories (such as Life issues, and defending traditional Marriage and Family), and are conveniently cross-referenced in a short list therein.
Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)/ADF International {see also (4), (5)} [see also ICLS’s Study Centers/ Institutes Square]
ADF is an accomplished public interest association of legal advocates focusing on three key areas, fitting closely with some of AI’s areas of interest. These are:
(i) Defending Religious and other Civil Liberties (including Academic Freedom);
(ii) Defending Life; and
(iii) Defending Traditional Marriage and Family.
ADF International is an independent and vital extension for ADF’s advocacy work around the globe. It is a strategic, and very important partner in AI’s work.
ADF also offers a very informative free online newsletter, focusing on its core issues, called Alliance Alert Digest, which you can see and learn more about in our Scholarly Journals Square on the ICLS tab. ADF International is a vital partner of AI in helping train students and attorneys, and in promoting justice around the globe.
American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ) (in USA, with European and Asian Centers) {see also (4), (5)}
The ACLJ and its globally affiliated organizations are committed to ensuring the ongoing viability of freedom and liberty in the United States and around the world. The organization also works ardently on Sanctity of Life and protection of biblical marriage and families against secularists’ attacks.
Becket Law (USA)
Protecting the free expression of all religious traditions. It’s actually a wide-reaching law firm committed to this work. It should have information useful for international contexts.
Center for Academic Freedom (of ADF)
Here you will find information and resources that will help you know and understand your rights as a Christian college student. It has information useful to international students.
Center for Law & Religious Freedom (Christian Legal Society (CLS) (USA) {including Academic Freedom; see also (4), (5)} [See also Study Centers/Institute Square]
In addition to serving as the largest network of Christian lawyers in the US, and its educational, and legal aid programs, CLS, through its Center for Law & Religious Freedom, vigorously defends rights of free exercise of religion, speech, and association in the US Constitutional context. This includes protecting academic freedom of belief for students and academicians. The Center also works to protect human life and the Christian view of marriage and family from secularists’ assaults.
CLS also offers two very fine publications: The Christian Lawyer (quarterly, for professionals); and the Journal of Christian Legal Thought (more academically driven). Both are available on our Scholarly Journals Square.
The Christian Institute (UK) [see also Independent Study Centers/Institutes Square]
The Christian Institute exists for “the furtherance and promotion of the Christian religion in the United Kingdom’ and ‘the advancement of education’. The Christian Institute is a nondenominational Christian charity committed to upholding the truths of the Bible.” Beyond education of legal and policy issues, it links to providing legal assistance through its Legal Defense Fund.
Christian Law Association (USA)
It offers free legal counsel to churches and Christians facing legal difficulties for practicing the biblical faith.
Christian Legal Institute (Christian Legal Fellowship (CLF) (Canada) {see also (4), (5)} [see also our Study Centers/ Institutes Square]
CLF is a vibrant law ministry serving students and lawyers in getting closer to Christ. It intervenes on a number of key public policy issues relating to life, and religious liberty, among others. It hosts a Christian Legal Institute and National Law Student Conference to equip students and attorneys for pursuing biblical justice, holding to a classical Christian worldview on social issues.
Concerned Women for America [see in (5) Marriage and Family]
Family Policy Alliance Foundation (Focus on the Family) [see in (5) Marriage and Family]
First Liberty Institute (formerly Liberty Institute; USA)
It is said to be the largest US organization dedicated only to Religious Liberty. It’s analysis may be useful for international applications.
International Institute of Religious Freedom (IIRF), of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) [see WEA information in our Study Centers/Institutes Square]
Jubilee Campaign (UK, International) [see information in (3) Justice and Rights of Poor; see separate Humanitarian Aid Section below]
In addition to serving children at risk, JC serves Christian families suffering persecution, including refugees and stopping child sacrificing in superstitious religions in Africa.
The Lawyers Christian Fellowship (LCF) (UK, East Africa) [see also Study Centers/Institutes Square]
LCF helps equip its lawyers to handle a number of advocacy issues, such as religious liberty and other concerns of the Church, working primarily in the UK and East Africa. Some resources may exist on marriage, family, and life issues. {see also (4), (5)}
Liberty Counsel/ Liberty Counsel Action (USA, Israel, etc.) {see also (4), (5)}
“Liberty Counsel Action's mission is to advance religious freedom, the sanctity of human life, the family, responsible government, national security, and support for Israel through education and advocacy on the national, state and local levels.” It seems LC is interested in some international operations, especially through its missions tab, and as an advocate for Israel.
The National Legal Foundation (USA)
The NLF is a Christian public interest law firm dedicated to the preservation of America’s freedom and constitutional rights. Visitors to their website can read for themselves many of the briefs that NLF has filed in cases throughout the U.S.
National Organization for Marriage (USA) [see description in (5) Marriage and Family]
Defending the Christian faith community in its concerns of marriage, life, and family.
Open Doors (USA & International)
“Open Doors USA is a community of Christians who come together to support persecuted believers in more than 60 countries.” Known for their work and reporting around the world, they are also an advocacy group, working on behalf of persecuted Christians. It has U.S. and international field offices.
Pacific Justice Institute (CA, USA) {see also (4), (5)}
Pacific Justice Institute is a non-profit 501(c)(3) legal defense organization specializing in the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties. Pacific Justice Institute works diligently, without charge, to provide their clients with all the legal support they need. While California based, it’s experience can be useful in some international contexts.
Religious Freedom Institute (USA, Global) [see also RFI’s Center For Religious Freedom Education (CRFE) in the Independent Study Centers/ Institutes Square]
RFI seeks to improve religious liberty for Christian, as well as other faiths (multi-faith approach). It’s goal is “working to secure religious freedom for everyone, everywhere.” According to its mission, “[t]he Religious Freedom Institute is committed to achieving broad acceptance of religious liberty as a fundamental human right, the cornerstone of a successful society, and a source of national and international security.”
Religious Liberty Archive (Lewis Roca, Rothberger, Christie) (USA)
“Religious institutions regularly confront a variety of legal issues– similar to other nonprofit organizations. The Religious Liberty Archive is an extensive repository of valuable information and a useful resource for anyone seeking information about state and federal laws pertaining to religious freedom in the United States. View other Religious Liberty cases, commentaries, federal statutes, state constitutions, and important historical materials relevant to religious freedom in the United States.” This site has access to a number of cases and information that can be useful in the international arena. It’s a very good site on Constitutional religious liberty defenses.
Ruth Institute (USA) [see description in (5) Marriage and Family below]
Defending the Christian faith community in its concerns of marriage, life, and family.
The Institute’s mission is twofold: to provide legal services in the defense of religious and civil liberties and to educate the public on important issues affecting their constitutional freedoms.
Their mission is, “Serving persecuted Christians through practical and spiritual assistance, and leading other members of the body of Christ into fellowship with them.” This is truly a global organization serving the persecuted Body of Christ.
(3) Justice & Rights of the Poor, Needy, & Oppressed
Organizations here tend to focus on access to justice for the poor, needy, and oppressed especially through formal legal systems (some included here serve in more indirect ways, however). Advocacy includes anti-sex trafficking, anti-human trafficking, refugee and migratory labor assistance, safeguarding women and children and other vulnerable people from violence, and vindicating their other rights, especially human rights.
In addition to this Section (3), see also groups that assist the poor and needy in more long-term, systemic, and capacity-building ways; see also groups working to provide immediate aid or assistance in response to disasters or humanitarian crises (see sections for both these kinds of aid groups in their separate Section headings below).
Christian Legal Aid (CLS) (USA)
CLS’ Legal Aid Program is a national public ministry providing advice and limited assistance for many of the legal and spiritual needs of the poor, in cooperation with Christian churches and faith-based social service providers.
Compassion First (Indonesia, USA)
They provide “long-term, hope-filled solutions for survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation.” It is involved in training judges, police, and prosecutors in helping that end.
Compassion International [see also in Capacity Building Section below]
Compassion is a Christ-centered organization that seeks to lift children out of poverty, generally by sponsorship of children through caring individuals/partners. It seeks to stop abuse and exploitation of children through preventative justice programs, and intervenes if injustices are present.
Global Human Trafficking Task Force (GHTTF), of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) [see information on WEA in our Study Centers/Institutes Square]
Hagar International (S.E. Asia)
Hagar works to heal and restore people who have suffered the trauma of trafficking, sexual, and other abuse. It often means they partner with others on legal issues. They work in numerous locations in S.E. Asia, including Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam.
HAND (Indonesia, S.E. Asia) [see description in separate Capacity Building and Humanitarian Aid Sections below]
International Justice Mission (IJM) {see also (1)}
International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. It works collaboratively with government ministries and agencies to weed out systemic injustice, thus improving rule of law, and tangible justice for the oppressed.
International Organization for Migration (IOM) (Global, U.N.) [see also separate Humanitarian Aid Section below]
“IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people.”
IOM was established in 1951, and works in over 173 countries. It’s an important and influential organization, non-Christian and affiliated with the U.N., but willing to work with several Christian NGOs. Highly competent in international issues surrounding human and sex-trafficking, reugees and surrounding humanitarian crises, migrant labor, and other vulnerable peoples - a strong, experienced advocacy organization.
Jubilee Campaign (UK, International) [see separate Humanitarian Aid Section below] {see also (2)}
Jubilee Campaign is an effective human rights pressure group that tackles the cause of injustice and has been successful at bringing real and lasting change for Children at Risk and persecuted Christian families worldwide, including refugees and stopping child sacrificing in superstitious religions in Africa.
Justice Ventures International (USA, India, International)
“JVI partners with local organizations and global stakeholders to eradicate human trafficking and other extreme injustice by securing justice for individuals.” India and globally focused.
Justice Without Borders (Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia)
Not necessarily a Christian organization, but useful on migratory labor and attendant justice concerns, especially in Asia. From its website: “Justice Without Borders creates transnational lifelines to legal aid for victims of labour exploitation and human trafficking. We enable victims to seek rightful compensation from their abusers, even after returning home. Our offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia are developing the networks, knowledge and know-how needed to make cross-border access to justice for migrant worker victims possible.”
Lawyers Without Borders (USA, International) [see description in (1) Rule of Law, Anti-corruption above]
Love Does (USA based, serving in six countries) [see information in the separate Capacity Building and Humanitarian Aid Sections below]
Love Does is an organization serving in six countries. In addition to its specialization in helping children in conflict zones with educational needs, it engages in some law-related advocacy, including stopping trafficking in India (among various other human rights interests). Love Does is led by its founding lawyer and author, Bob Goff (author of Love Does, and other works).
Love Justice International (LJI)
LJI is an organization dedicated to stopping human trafficking and the most severe kinds of slavery and injustices, putting traffickers in jail, and caring for the most vulnerable. Unique in its approach, LJI uses training and implementing actual INTERCEPTIONS of traffickers at key border locations. It operates in several (15) countries (formerly Tiny Hands, International).
Prison Fellowship International (PFI)
“Prison Fellowship International is called and dedicated to communicating the redemptive love and transforming power of Jesus Christ to prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims of crime around the world.” Their vision is “To break the cycle of crime and restore lives, worldwide, through Jesus’s love.”
Regent University Law School, Center for Global Justice [see in Univ. Law School Advocacy Programs below]
RTF (Refugee Task Force), of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) [see information on WEA in our Study Centers/Institutes Square]
Samaritan’s Purse [see description in separate Humanitarian Aid Section]
Trinity Law School, Trinity Int’l Univ. (TIU), Center for Human Rights [see in Univ. Law School Advocacy Programs below]
World Relief [see also in the Capacity Building and Humanitarian Aid Sections below]
Disaster relief and development work. It also does considerable work with refugees and migrant labor issues, addressing their injustices. It works toward, “overcoming violence, poverty, and injustice through love in action.”
World Vision [see description in separate Capacity Building and Humanitarian Aid Sections]
In addition, World Vision is involved in various legal, human rights protection efforts to stop child labor and violence against women (including trafficking). It has drafted standards and works in an interdisciplinary way in its advocacy against such abuses (see its “Our Work” tab on its site).
“World Without Orphans is a global movement with a shared vision for orphans becoming sons and daughters. Our dream is that every child will grow up in a safe, stable and nurturing permanent family, and know their Heavenly Father.”
(4) Safeguarding Human Life
Christian Advoacy Groups in this Section focus on pro-life efforts, including combatting unwarranted abortions, assisted suicides, euthanasia, improper forms of stem-cell research or applications in some medical contexts, and similar issues regarding the improper taking of innocent human life. In some cases they help clarify Christian ethical standpoints on the sometimes complicated issues surrounding Life. Issues of helping the poor, needy and oppressed with their justice needs are addressed elsewhere {see in (3), (5), (6)}. Some of the entities listed here concentrate their primary work in another related area such as defending traditional Marriage and Family (5), and are short-listed as a cross-reference here, for sake of convenience.
Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)/ADF International [see description in (2) Religious Liberty above]
American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ) (in USA, with European and Asian Centers) [see description in (2) Religious Liberty above]
Americans United for Life (AUL) defends human life through vigorous legislative, judicial, and educational efforts. Although American based, it has several international allies indicated on its site. Check out their blog here.
Center for Law & Religious Freedom (Christian Legal Society (CLS) (USA) [see description in (2) Religious Liberty above]
Christian Legal Institute /Christian Legal Fellowship (Canada) [see description in (2) Religious Liberty above]
Concerned Women for America (CWA) [see description in (5) Marriage and Family below]
Family Policy Alliance Foundation (FOF) [see description in (5) Marriage and Family below]
Heartbeat International is the first network of pro-life pregnancy resource centers founded in the U.S. (1971), and it is now the most expansive network in the world. Heartbeat has over 2,500 affiliated pregnancy help locations including pregnancy help medical clinics (with ultrasound), resource centers, maternity homes, and adoption agencies in around 62 countries around the world to provide alternatives to abortion.
The Lawyers Christian Fellowship (LCF, UK, East Africa) [see description in (2) Religious Liberty; see also Study Centers/Institutes Square]
Liberty Counsel/ Liberty Counsel Action (USA, Israel, etc.) [see description in (2) Religious Liberty]
Life Legal Defense Foundation (USA, International)
An anti-abortion, prolife and pro-liberty advocacy group, covering stories and issues, including international situations.
LIfeNews.com (USA, Canada, International) [See also Scholarly Journals Square, Other Periodicals Section] {see also (5)}
A leading life-supporting publication, featuring issues from abortion, to euthanasia, suicide, and stem cell research. Has a variety of good articles on all life-affirming topics, and on the family.
LifeSite (USA, Canada, International) [See also Scholarly Journals Square, Other Periodicals Section] {see also (5)}
This is a pro-life news organization, providing comprehensive information through articles, podcasts, blogs, research and more, on such important issues as abortion, assisted suicide, stem-cell issues, and related family issues. It has international features and news; largely affiliated with the Catholic perspective. Featuring blogs of John-Henry Westen.
National Organization for Marriage (USA) [see description in (5) Marriage and Family below]
Pacific Justice Institute (California, USA) [see description in (2) Religious Liberty above]
Ruth Institute [see description in (5) Marriage and Family below]
(5) Defending Traditional (Biblical) Marriage & Family
Christian Advocacy Groups here concentrate on defending the Christian ideals of marriage against secularist assaults including the violent ideological onslaughts of LGBT activists, seeking to redefine marriage as a genderless institution, imposing their new definitions on all. In addition, some of the organizations here address other legal threats to marriage, such as no-fault divorce, and the damaging impact of easy divorce on children, families, and indeed on all in society. Strong families are of course the backbone of a strong and stable society. Because of the Christian, faith-based starting viewpoints of these organizations, many of them are subject to religious persecution from secular idealogues. Consequently, some of their work also involves defending religious liberty and social perspectives. In such cases, we have short-listed them in the Religious Liberty section, above. Some of these also overlap easily with Life issues, below, and are also conveniently cross-referenced there.
Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)/ADF International [see description in (2) Religious Liberty above]
American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ) (in USA, with European and Asian Centers) [see description in (2) Religious Liberty above]
Center for Law & Religious Freedom, Christian Legal Society (CLS) (USA) [see description in (2) Religious Liberty above]
Christian Legal Institute, Christian Legal Fellowship (Canada) [see description in (2) Religious Liberty above]
Concerned Women for America (CWA) {see also (2), (4)}
The mission of CWA is to protect and promote Biblical values among all citizens – first through prayer, then education, and finally by influencing our society – thereby reversing the decline in moral values in our nation. Their site includes resources for global women’s issues.
Family Policy Alliance Foundation (Focus on the Family (FOF)) {see also (2), (4)}
Focus on the Family Policy is a cultural action organization that provides a platform for informing, inspiring and rallying those who care deeply about the family to greater involvement in the moral, cultural and political issues that threaten our world. Its site includes international stories and issues.
The Lawyers Christian Fellowship (LCF, UK, East Africa) [see description in (2) Religious Liberty; see also Study Centers/Institutes Square]
Liberty Counsel/ Liberty Counsel Action (USA, Israel, etc.) [see description in (2) Religious Liberty above]
LIfeNews.com (USA, Canada, International) [see description in (4) Life; see also Scholarly Journals Square, Other Periodicals]
LifeSite (USA, Canada, International) [see description in (4) Life; see also Scholarly Journals Square, Other Periodicals]
National Organization for Marriage (USA) {see also (2), (4)}
The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to protect marriage and the faith communities that sustain it. NOM serves as a national resource for marriage-related initiatives at the state and local level.
Pacific Justice Institute (California, USA) [see description in (2) Religious Liberty above]
Ruth Institute (USA, International) {see also (2), (4)}
Advocacy, especially protection of marriage and families, and life issues, including legal advocacy for the faith community interested in safeguarding these. This strong advocacy group has internationally useful ideas.
(6) Peace and Reconciliation
Christian groups named here specialize in conflict resolution in either a grand scale, such as international ethnic and religious conflicts, or in smaller scale interpersonal and corporate matters, which may otherwise be settled through litigation. Also included in this concern is the very important area of inter-church, and intra-church conflict resolution (sadly an area too often neglected in the Kingdom, despite its immense importance).
Institute for Christian Conciliation (USA, International)
"The mission of ICC Peace is to boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ by supporting peacemaking communities in resolving legal and personal conflicts and reconciling relationships in a biblically faithful manner."
Peace & Reconciliation Network (PRN), of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) [see information on WEA in our Study Centers/Institutes Square]
This important network is involved in ethnic and international reconciliation efforts.
Peacemaker Ministries (USA, International)
This website is designed to introduce you to Peacemaker Ministries and assist you in learning and applying the powerful conflict resolution principles God has given to us through Scripture.
(ii) Specific Law School, University Related Advocacy Programs
The programs listed here may or may not engage in advocacy activities directly, but typically all place students into clinical internships with justice-advocating NGOs around the world (often as part of summer internships programs). If your organization is seeking student interns, this is a good place to start. Areas of specialization depend on each school’s interests and requirements. It’s our hope to see an increasing number of these university justice centers around the world offering such services. As we learn of them, we will add them, keeping our priority on Christian-based programs.
The Sudreau Global Justice Program touches all corners of the globe through its initiatives in international human rights and religious freedom, advancement of the rule of law, and global development. We equip our students with the knowledge, experience and relationships necessary to pursue careers that seek justice and create a lasting impact for the world’s most vulnerable people.
Liberty University, School of Law, Center, Liberty Center for International Human Rights (LCIHR) (USA, international interest) { see (3) Justice and Rights of Poor above}
Information on this program is not presently available; contact the University.
Regent University Law School, Center for Global Justice (USA, International) {see also (3) Justice and Rights of Poor, (1) Rule of Law above}
Regent University School of Law has stepped forward to equip Christian advocates to promote the rule of law and seek justice for the world’s downtrodden—the poor, the oppressed, and the enslaved—and to serve and support those already engaged in such advocacy. To fulfill its mission, the program provides academic training and internship opportunities for students to serve in other countries.e reconciled, and communities are restored.
Trinity Law School, Trinity Int’l Univ. (TIU), Center for Human Rights {see also (3) Justice and Rights of Poor, (1) Rule of Law above}
The Center for Human Rights is a research, education, and advocacy center for the promotion and protection of international human rights. Along with several human rights courses at Trinity Law School in Santa Ana, the Center sponsors international courses in Europe and Cambodia.
(iii) Intercessory Prayer for Justice
AI appreciates and knows that intercessory prayer is a kind of advocacy in itself. It involves intercession for a cause, going before the throne of God’s grace, and pleading a case for that just cause before the Almighty Judge of all in existence, our Lord God. Prayer has been known to change unjust legislation and court outcomes, and to change the course of history and justice in nations. We cherish its significance in justice work: Advocacy requires this intervening advocacy before God. It’s an integral part of AI’s work in each region. Ask us about joining in one of our regional prayer groups, and/or one of these prayer networks listed below. Some of these groups pray specifically about injustices, and some actually do some advocacy also.
Jesus and the Holy Spirit, are of course, our advocates. (See of Jesus: Isaiah 53:12; 1 John 2:12; Hebrews 7:25. See of the Spirit: John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7.)
International Prayer Connect (IPC) and International Prayer Council (IPC)
A series of global prayer networks for change, connecting in several levels.
A global intercessory prayer, leadership, and cultural change network focusing on seven spheres of society (including government: law and justice).
Transformworld Connection Indonesia (TCI)
Indonesian branch affiliated with Transform World, above, connecting about 5,000 churches in Indonesia. A newsletter is available, Transform Life Indonesia. It is involved in social and cultural Christlike changes in Indonesia.
(iv) Capacity Building, Sustainable Development
Groups listed here do advocacy and combat injustice in a different way, instead of by litigating or legislating, for instance. They do this typically by addressing long term human needs and building capacity to improve lives in the communities in which they serve. The nature of their work associates them with seeking justice and rights for the poor, needy, and oppressed, by definition; but we have listed them separately to highlight their long-term sustainable and systemic development and capacity building approaches.
Compassion International [{see also (3) above}, and next Section]
Compassion is a Christ-centered organization that seeks to lift children out of poverty, generally by sponsorship of children through caring individuals/partners. It seeks to prevent abuse and exploitation of children through preventative justice programs, and intervenes if injustices are present.
Food for the Hungry [see also next Section]
Food for the Hungry works in more than 26 developing countries: “We provide disaster and emergency relief and implement sustainable development programs to transform communities physically and spiritually.”
HAND (Indonesia, S.E. Asia) [{see also (3) above}, and see next Section]
HAND stands for, “Humanitarian Assistance Network for Development,” and does just that: everything from hydroponics and capacity building, to helping sex-trafficking victims, and improving justice systems in communities.
Love Does [{see also (3) above}, and see next Section]
Love Does is an organization serving in six countries (Uganda, Nepal, India, Iraq, Somalia, Afghanistan). It especially helps children in conflict zones with educational needs, and works on a variety of other things, such as anti-trafficking law-related work in India. Love Does is led by its founding lawyer and author, Bob Goff (author of Love Does and other works).
Samaritan’s Purse [see description in next Section] {see also (3) above}
World Relief [{see also (3) above}, and see next Section]
Disaster relief and development work. It also does considerable work with refugees and migrant labor issues, addressing their injustices. It works toward, “overcoming violence, poverty, and injustice through love in action.”
World Vision [{see also (3) above}, and see next Section]
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian charity organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.
(v) Christian Humanitarian Aid, Disaster Relief
Groups listed here, similar to the immediately preceding Section, also assist the poor or needy, but they do so by addressing immediate crises, giving restorative and emergency aid. In that way they are also improving the lives of sudden victims in the communities in which they serve. Some organizations serve in both short and long-term capacities, and so are cross-listed.
Food for the Hungry [see description in Capacity Building, Sustainable Development Section above]
HAND stands for, “Humanitarian Assistance Network for Development,” and does just that: everything from hydroponics and capacity building, to helping sex-trafficking victims, and improving justice systems in communities.
International Organization for Migration (IOM) (Global, U.N.) [see description in (3) Justice and Rights of Poor]
Non-Christian, but very helpful and works with some Christian NGOs.
Jubilee Campaign (UK, International) [see description in (3) Justice and Rights of Poor above]
Love Does [see additional information on in Capacity Building Section above {see also (3) Justice and Rights of Poor}]
Love Does serves in six countries (Uganda, Nepal, India, Iraq, Somalia, Afghanistan). It has significant experience helping children in conflict zones, especially with educational needs and human rights advocacy; it sometimes engages in advocacy, such as anti-trafficking in India.
Samaritan’s Purse [see in Capacity Building Section above {see also (3)}]
Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ.
WEA Sustainability Center (Creation Care Task Force) [see information on the WEA (World Evangelical Alliance) in our Study Centers/Institutes Square]
This Center urges policies of sound Christian stewardship over the created world.
World Relief [see in Capacity Building Section above {see also (3)}]
Disaster relief and development work. It also does considerable work with refugees and migrant labor issues, addressing their injustices. It works toward, “overcoming violence, poverty, and injustice through love in action.”
World Vision [see description in Capacity Building, Sustainable Development Section above {see also (3)}]
World Vision works on disaster relief, in addition to its systemic development efforts.
(vi) Study Centers/ Institutes Having an Advocacy Component in Their Work
This is simply a short cross-listing of Study Centers/Institutes, Research Institutes, and Think Tanks, from our separate Study Centers/Institutes Square of ICLS. These Institutes and Study Centers go beyond educating; they engage in some sort of advocacy of their own (in connection with their respective areas of interest). So we have simply cross-listed them here on a short list for convenience. Advocacy interests of these Study Centers/Institutes (in order of their seeming priorities), are also numbered and in { } to match corresponding advocacy interests indicated in this Advocacy Groups Square. (See full descriptions and listings of these institutes in the Study Centers/Institutes Square.)
Center for Religious Freedom Education, Religious Freedom Institute (U.S., Global) { (2) Religious Liberty}
Global Transformation Network {(1) Rule of Law, (2) Religious Liberty, (3) Justice and Rights of Poor}
Leimena Institute (Indonesia) {(2) Religious Liberty, (1) Rule Of Law}
Revelation Movement (India & globally) {(1) Rule of Law, (3) Justice and Rights of Poor}
World Evangelical Alliance (WEA); Its Initiatives {(1) Rule of Law, (2) Religious Liberty, (3) Justice and Rights of Poor, Sustainable Development, (6) Peace and Reconciliation} [see separate Councils/Institutes of WEA indicated above].
In short, see:
- International Institute of Religious Freedom (IIRF) [see above] {(2) Religious Liberty}
- Global Human Trafficking Task Force (GHTTF) {(3)Justice & Rights of the Poor, Needy, and Oppressed}
- Refugee Task Force (RTF) {(3)Justice & Rights of the Poor, Needy, and Oppressed}
- WEA Sustainability Center; + Creation Care Task Force {Sustainable Development, (1) ROL}
- Peace & Reconciliation Network (PRN) {(6) Peace & Reconciliation}