The Call to Advocacy: Why Christians Must Stand with Marginalized Communities

Christianity, at its core, is a faith rooted in love, justice, and compassion. For followers of Christ, there is a biblical mandate to lift up the marginalized and the oppressed — those whom society has often overlooked. Acting as advocates for marginalized communities, including LGBTQ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and women in crisis, is not just a modern call but a timeless command rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the scriptures. Christians are called to this work. As the capital “C” church, we can engage meaningfully with community organizations and opportunities that embody the empathy, compassion, grace, and love of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundations for Advocacy

The Bible is replete with examples and exhortations to care for the marginalized. From the Old Testament to the New, there is a consistent message: God’s people are called to advocate for those who are suffering or pushed to the margins. Here are just a few verses that speak to this call:

1. Micah 6:8 — “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This powerful verse underscores that God’s expectations are not just about personal piety but about actively pursuing justice and mercy for others.
2. Isaiah 1:17 — “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” God commands His people to defend and uplift those who cannot defend themselves.
3. Matthew 25:40 — “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” In this passage, Jesus identifies Himself with those in need, emphasizing that caring for others is directly caring for Him.
4. James 1:27 — “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” True faith, James reminds us, involves action that protects and uplifts vulnerable people.

These scriptures reveal that advocacy is central to a life of faith and ordained by God. Advocacy does not replace evangelism or spiritual growth but is an essential part of living out the Gospel in a world that desperately needs compassion and love.

Advocacy for LGBTQ People

The LGBTQ community has historically faced significant rejection and marginalization, especially within evangelical denominations like the Southern Baptist Convention. However, many Christians today feel called to reverse this trend and extend Christ’s love to LGBTQ individuals, affirming their inherent dignity and worth. Affirming LGBTQ rights and individuals aligns with the call to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31).

For Christians who seek to support LGBTQ individuals, organizations like The Reformation Project and Q Christian Fellowship offer resources, education, and community. These organizations work to reconcile faith and sexual orientation, helping Christians see LGBTQ people as beloved by God. Engaging with these organizations allows Christians to model Christ’s love to LGBTQ people, who often feel alienated from the church and abandoned by those they should have experienced the most support from.

Advocacy for Immigrants and Refugees

Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the need to welcome the stranger. In Leviticus 19:34, God commands the Israelites to treat foreigners as if they were native-born, reminding them, “You shall love the stranger as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” This command reflects God’s heart for justice and compassion, particularly for those displaced or in search of refuge. In an age where the Donald Trumps and J.D. Vances of the world have villainized immigrants and refugees, stoking the flames of fear through racism and white nationalism, let us now forget, our own Lord and Savior was a refugee.

World Relief and Catholic Charities USA are Christian organizations actively engaged in helping immigrants and refugees resettle, find support, and rebuild their lives. They offer a variety of volunteer opportunities for Christians to directly assist immigrant families with language classes, job training, and legal assistance. Christians can respond to God’s call to “love the foreigner” (Deuteronomy 10:19) by walking alongside these families as they navigate the challenges of a new country.

Advocacy for Women Considering an Abortion

Christians who seek to support women facing unplanned pregnancies or considering abortion often find their motivation in the value that Scripture places on life and compassion. At the same time, they understand that these women are often in complex situations that require empathy, not judgment. Proverbs 31:8–9 urges believers to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,” and this includes both the mother and the child. Some of the most damaging and trauma inducing behaviors have been displayed by pro-life Christians. Abortion clinic protests come to mind. These women need love and support during these moments, not to be bombarded with screaming, signs, and hatred spewed from the mouths of alleged Jesus followers.

Organizations like Embrace Grace approach this work with a compassionate, nonjudgmental attitude, providing resources and emotional support to women in crisis. By offering services such as counseling, practical resources, and community support, these groups allow Christians to embody Jesus’ compassion, helping women make empowered and supported decisions for themselves and their families. (I should note, however, that Embrace Grace does not provide abortion healthcare. Their mission is to facilitate support through local church groups.)

The Importance of Advocacy in the Church

In addition to these specific areas of advocacy, churches themselves have the opportunity to be a place of refuge, hope, and support for all marginalized communities. Churches should exist to be “cities on a hill” (Matthew 5:14) by opening their doors, creating inclusive spaces, and fostering community for those who are often excluded.

Some churches are already making great strides in this direction. For instance, Mosaic Church in Hollywood, CA, is a faith community known for its embrace of people from diverse backgrounds, including immigrants and LGBTQ individuals. Meanwhile, Willow Creek Community Church near Chicago offers extensive programs for those experiencing homelessness and financial instability, demonstrating the gospel’s call to meet people in their place of need.

Answering the Call

For Christians, the call to advocacy is not a political agenda but a gospel mandate. To love, to defend, to lift up — these are not optional add-ons to a life of faith but integral components of following Christ. As theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “We are not to simply bandage the wounds of victims beneath the wheels of injustice; we are to drive a spoke into the wheel itself.” Advocacy goes beyond charity; it’s about challenging structures that harm, oppress, or overlook people created in God’s image.

By standing with marginalized communities, Christians can help bridge the gap between the teachings of Christ and the realities of the modern world. With a heart grounded in love and justice, the church has the opportunity to lead the way in showing what it means to be “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13–16), bringing hope, healing, and transformation to communities that need it most. In doing so, we not only reflect God’s heart for justice but also bear witness to the power of the gospel to change lives and societies.