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Who We Are

Our Story

The Center for Public Justice is the leading Christian nonpartisan think tank and  civic education organization advancing principles and policies that support a pluralistic society. We were founded in 1977 by citizens committed to developing and advancing an integrated biblical view of political service and responsible government.

What is Public Justice?

Public justice is the guiding principle for government’s work  and is comprised of two interdependent parts.

The principle of public justice recognizes that much of what contributes to human flourishing is not government’s task. This limits the scope of government’s work to promoting policies and practices that uphold the ability of other institutions and associations to make their full contributions to human flourishing.

The principle of public justice also recognizes that much of what contributes to human flourishing is government’s task. Government is authorized by God to promote what is good for human flourishing. This is often referred to as securing the common good –promoting the well-being of an entire society in right relationship with the larger world that God made. As part of its promotion of human flourishing,  government is also the institution authorized to restrain sin through law and provide lawful retribution for injustice.

Why Does Public Justice Matter?

Public justice matters because it provides a framework for citizens to engage in public life in pursuit of justice for all.

Public justice matters because it is what we should expect government to work towards.

Public justice matters so we live life together in our pluralistic society with justice for all people and institutions.

The Center for Public Justice provides sound policy research and development, civic education and advocacy, to promote public justice.

It’s Time To

Equip Citizens

It’s Time To

Develop Leaders

It’s Time To

Shape Policy

CPJ’s mission is to equip citizens, develop leaders, and shape policy in pursuit of our purpose to serve God, advance justice, and transform public life.

Working outside the familiar categories of right and left, conservative and liberal, we are a Christian, nonpartisan organization seeking to help citizens and public officeholders respond to God’s call to do justice.

  • We are committed to public service that responds to God’s call to do justice
  • Pursue a multi-issue, public-interest approach to lawmaking and governance
  • Believe Christians should engage in political life and improve public discourse
  • Encourage officeholders and citizens to know and fulfill their responsibilities for the health of the nation
  • Work to equip government and faith-based organizations to embody competent, trustworthy leadership to help create a thriving society
  • Develop and advocate for public policies that encourage a healthy relationship between government and other institutions

Guidelines and Principles

The Center for Public Justice’s Guidelines were developed to provide citizens and lawmakers with normative principles that should guide our approach to public life and policymaking:

  • Political Community 
  • Government
  • Citizenship
  • Education
  • Religious Freedom
  • Human Life
  • Economic Justice
  • Family
  • Environment
  • Welfare
  • Security and Defense
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