Congregations Acting for Justice and Empowerment (C.AJ.E.)
Central Church is a charter member of Congregations Acting for Justice and Empowerment. Formed in 2003, CAJE (pronounced “cage”) is a congregational-based community organization that works on local issues where structural solutions are needed to meet problems. Like many churches, Central does much charity to help meet individual needs, as it should, since we are called to “love mercy.”  But Micah 6:8 also says God requires of us to “do justice,” which means to address social needs where community solutions are required, so that people can more easily meet their own needs and be less in need of charity. Justice work is best done by people of faith working together, and CAJE is composed of about a dozen diverse religious congregations in the Evansville area. The members of the congregations select one or two critical issues at a time, research possible solutions, work strategically with public officials who have the power to act on the issues, and hold a great assembly, where officials are asked to make specific public commitments on the issue. This is based on the biblical calling to be just and on the democratic model of citizens’ participation. CAJE was a driving force in the creation of the Community Dental Clinic. It has also worked on issues of code enforcement, early literacy for all children and improved access to vocational education. Current issues are increased regular funding for affordable housing and enhanced public transportation. For more information contact Linda Henzman (867-0453) or Bill Seymour (437-3907), co-leaders of Central’s CAJE Team.