The most important political development of the 1980s was the changing role of the churches. I'm not referring to the emergence of the Religious Right and the prominence of television preachers. What I mean is how significant segments of the mainstream churches are now committed to the cause of justice and peace and, indeed, see it to be a gospel cause. That is the most hopeful change over the last decade.
Before the 1980s, most of the prophetic voices in the church were on the edges and in the margins. Christians were beginning to speak and act in new ways during the 1970s, but the heart of the churches remained relatively unchanged.
That heart was stirred in the 1980s. By the end of the decade, the nation had seen the religious community playing a major leadership role in awakening the country to the nuclear danger, in challenging U. S. government policy in Central America, and in demonstrating compassion for the hungry, the homeless, and the new flood of refugees entering the United States. The 1980s saw government attacks on the churches for that new role, and the reality of Christians under official surveillance or in prison dramatically altered the church-state relationship, which had been quite cozy for many years.
As we enter the 1990s and look toward the year 2000, the question is whether the churches will continue to move forward or retrench in reaction to conservative critics and shrinking budgets. The apocalyptic sense of crisis that dominated the early 1980s has given way to a perception of both new opportunities and real dangers. We are surrounded by breathtaking changes on the global scene, and it often appears that things are somehow getting better and growing worse at the same time. But the greatest danger we face is one of complacency.
There are indeed tremendous challenges ahead, and the times will call for theological clarity, spiritual vitality, and political courage. All three are essential to our commitment here at Sojourners and to the kind of magazine we are seeking to offer.
We are grateful for the role Sojourners was able to play in the exciting events of the 1970s and 1980s. But these are the 1990s, and it's time to move ahead toward the third millennium of Christian faith -- one that I hope will see the church return to the way of Jesus.
YOU WILL NOTICE THAT Sojourners begins 1990 with a fresh look and a new format. The magazine's design is both classic and contemporary -- reflecting our rootedness in a strong faith tradition and our readiness to respond to fresh questions. Ed Spivey Jr., our art director, has won numerous awards for Sojourners covers, layouts, and overall design. We want to offer you a strong visual presentation along with a compelling message.
We do have a message and a strong editorial vision for this next decade. Our recently concluded editorial staff retreat was bursting with energy, momentum, and ideas. I'm confident you will be as excited as we are about what's in store for this year.
We have added four pages to each issue of Sojourners in order to broaden our coverage. We're also going to publish 10 issues this year (instead of 11), which will allow us to cut our expenses some and give the staff a much-needed break at Christmas.
We consistently hear from you how much you depend on Sojourners' perspective to help sort out the tough and sometimes complicated issues. So we are adding another page to our editorial section, hoping to address a wide range of topics.
Sojourners' feature articles have also received much attention recently. The Associated Church Press (ACP) awards for best feature articles have gone to Sojourners the last two years. This year, we plan to devote even more pages and emphasis to the stories that form the heart of the magazine.
In "The Times," we've tried to cover the news often missed by the mainstream press, and to offer a very different slant -- a justice perspective -- to the events and issues appearing in the major media. This year you will see more news analysis pieces in Sojourners, as well as more investigative reporting on the intrigues and abuses of both church and state.
"Under Review" is our "culture watch" section. In it you will find in-depth articles about major cultural developments, as well as critical reviews of books, films, music, television, and videos. Since culture shapes so much of our lives these days, it is critical to understand what forces are shaping the culture.
Danny Duncan Collum's "Eyes and Ears" continues, and Joyce Hollyday has renamed her column "Signs and Wonders." My column begins 1990 as "On The Way," and moves to the back of the magazine. The new name hearkens back to the Acts passage in which the early Christians are referred to as the "people of the Way." The name also fits our Sojourners imagery of being on a road together, where the spirit of our journey is just as important as the direction.
About money ... As you know, we've been struggling financially these past couple of years. The frustrating paradox is that, at the same time, Sojourners has been receiving more journalistic recognition than ever before, including ACP's top award of merit for "general excellence" two out of the last three years. Most important is the continued affirmation we receive from you. Yet the finances have been a heavy burden.
The good news is that we've got some hopeful plans in place now, and the long-term prospects look good -- if we can just get through the short-term crisis. We have cut costs and are trying many new ideas.
The main thing we need is more subscribers. Too many of our readers share subscriptions or read Sojourners at church or elsewhere. That is really hurting us. We are asking you not to try to save money on Sojourners, but to support this ministry with a full-price subscription. We need that kind of support from each reader in order to continue.
Out on the road, I hear a great deal of support and concern for our situation from readers and friends. They have convinced me that Sojourners readers will not let the magazine die. I believe that and trust that soon we will be back on solid ground.
We have some exciting plans for 1990 and beyond, and we have a terrific staff to carry them out. In 1991, Sojourners marks its 20th anniversary. Get ready for a big celebration -- you will all be invited. We have been through a lot together with our readers. But I am convinced the best is yet to come!
Jim Wallis is editor-in-chief of Sojourners.
Got something to say about what you're reading? We value your feedback!