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About ISARC: values and history
The Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition was born out of the hope that together a coalition of faith groups could contribute to new public policies based upon greater justice and dignity for Ontarians marginalized by poverty.
The central message shared by religious communities throughout the world, inspires people of faith to respond to our neighbours in need.
ISARC values
- Human Dignity. The right of all people and their communities to be treated with justice, love, compassion, and respect, and their responsibility to treat others likewise.
- Mutual Responsibility. The obligation of communities to care and share with their people, ensuring that basic needs are met.
- Social Equity. The right of all people to adequate access to basic resources, to full participation in the life and decision-making of their communities.
- Economic Equity. The right of all people and communities to adequate access to the resources necessary for full lives, including access to worthwhile work, fair employment considerations, and our communal responsibilities to use such resources responsibly.
- Fiscal Fairness. The right of all people, communities, and institutions to fair fiscal treatment and the responsibility of all to contribute fairly for the well-being of all.
- Ecological Sustainability. The obligation of communities to practise responsible stewardship of the earth and its environment, so that creation might be preserved for generations to come.
For Jews
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". (Leviticus 19.17).
For Muslims
"No one of you is a believer until he desire for his brother
what he desires for himself" (Sumah).
For Christians
"Love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22.39).
For Buddhists
"Hurt not others, in ways that you yourself would find hurtful"
(Udana-Varga 5.18).
For Unitarian Universalists
"Affirm the worth and dignity of every person."
For Hindus
"Behave with others as you would with yourself. Look upon all living beings as your bosom friend, for in all of them there resides one soul. All are part of that Universal Soul. A person who believes that all are his soul mates and loves them all alike never feels lonely. The divine qualities of forgiveness, compassion and service will make him loveable in the eyes of all. He will experience intense joy throughout his life". (Yajur Veda 40 - 6).
ISARC history
The Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition (ISARC) is a provincial network of faith groups working together for greater social justice. ISARC was born out of the hope that together a coalition of faith groups could contribute to new public policies based upon greater justice and dignity for Ontarians marginalised by poverty.
In 1986 the Ontario government appointed an independent Social Assistance Review Committee (SARC) to study, consult, and make recommendations on the future of welfare. ISARC's original mandate was to provide advice to that Committee.
In the past decades, in concert with many other concerned groups, Our coalition has advocated in support of SARC's recommendations for an adequate, accessible, fair, and accountable social assistance system. ISARC has moved beyond reform of the system to name the causes of impoverishment and injustice.
Our coalition brings together representatives and members of faith groups to address public policies on issues of poverty, hunger, and homelessness in Ontario. ISARC meets and works with leaders from all political parties to support and develop legislation that will provide help to those most in need.
Our coalition has hosted province-wide hearings, held consultations and briefings, made presentations to legislative committees, and developed publications and resources that give a voice to low income people.
This central message, shared by religious communities throughout the world, inspires people of faith to respond to our neighbours in need.
When anyone is hungry while others have too much to eat, when anyone has no shelter while others live in luxury, or when anyone lives in poverty while others enjoy affluence, justice is not present. Where justice is not present, the quality of all our lives and communities disappears.
Justice is never complete nor done in the abstract, apart from individuals and communities. ISARC believes that people who care about the future can work together, so that a greater sense of justice is realized.
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