Carol Barron
- Jun 14, 2022
- 3 min read

Let Justice Roll Down Like a River

Source: Francis Vallance – Waimakariri River, Canterbury

Colin Gibson’s hymn Let Justice Roll Down Like a River[1] is based on Amos 5:24:

“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.”[2]

Colin’s hymn reminds us of the work our Missions & Parishes do in the name of the Methodist Church of New Zealand – Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa.

Let justice roll down like a river,

let justice flow down to the sea;

let justice roll down like a river

let justice begin through me.

Justice for all who go hungry,

crying to God to be fed,

left in a world of abundance

to beg for a morsel of bread.

Palmerston North Methodist Social Services and Methodist City Action in Hamilton, both operate foodbanks from their offices. Panmure Tonga Parish, and Siaola, also operate food banks that focus on the Auckland Tongan community. Northcote Takapuna Parish works with the local community to provide a series of community meals in the Northshore. And Crossroads Papakura Parish and Manurewa Parish host hospitality drop in centres.

Source: PNMSS Facebook page - Donations at PNMSS Foodbank

Justice for those who are homeless,

victims of war or of need,

trapped on the borders of nowhere,

lost in the canyons of greed.

Housing First supports people who have been homeless long-term, to access housing quickly, and then provide ongoing wrap around supports to enable people to achieve their goals. Lifewise provides this service in Auckland and Christchurch Methodist Mission provides this in Christchurch and Blenheim.

Methodist City Action in Hamilton offer a shower service for people that live on the streets, where they can come and shower for free. They are provided with a clean towel, soap, razor and other toiletries.

Merge Café at 453 Karangahape Road, in Auckland Central welcomes and supports people from all walks of life. Lifewise operates this café which has great food, excellent coffee, and friendly service. In addition, every dollar spent at Merge Café goes towards support for people experiencing homelessness. Merge Café played a crucial role in supporting Auckland’s street whānau during lockdown, and continues to do so today. The Merge Community Team provides support and advocacy to people in the homeless community. So if you are in Auckland, pop in to Merge Café where you can eat well, feel good and do good, all at the same time.

Source: Lifewise website - https://www.lifewise.org.nz/our-services/enterprises/merge-cafe/

Justice for all who are powerless,

yearning for freedom in vain,

plundered and robbed of their birth-right,

silently bearing their pain.

The Methodist Alliance working group campaigning to increase benefit and abatement rates continues to give a voice to those who are powerless trapped in poverty and in a system that takes away their dignity.

The Methodist Alliance makes submissions to government on draft legislation, terms of reference, and other matters that align with our vision for a just society in which all people flourish. You can read our submissions on the Methodist Church website - https://www.methodist.org.nz/mahi/methodist-alliance/submissions/

Let justice roll down like a river,

let justice flow down to the sea;

let justice roll down like a river

let justice begin through me.

Justice begins with all of us. You can join us in advocating for justice by supporting the work of the Methodist Alliance, or the Methodist Missions by contacting me or your local Mission.

Carol Barron, National Coordinator

03 375 0512 | 027 561 9164 | Carol@MethodistAlliance.org.nz

Let Justice Roll Down Like a River

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