Performative Activism and the Faith Community: Whose Voice Are You Giving a Voice To?

This week, I was confronted by a dear friend with the term Performative Activism. This friend of mine – who does not claim Christianity but lives a more Christian life than many self-proclaiming Christians I know – contacted me to discuss what she has been witnessing as perceived Performative Activism demonstrated by countless activism walks and other signs of collective protest. To my friend’s point, in today’s world activism is more visible than ever. Social media, news outlets, and public demonstrations highlight causes that demand attention. But with this increased visibility comes an important question: Are we truly advocating for change, or are we simply performing activism to appear engaged?

Performative activism – much like missionary tourism – refers to actions that are taken more for appearance than for meaningful impact. It’s when individuals or groups speak out on an issue, not necessarily because they are committed to justice, but because it looks good to do so. The faith community is not immune to this tendency. Churches, ministries, and religious leaders may sometimes align with social justice causes in ways that are more about optics than transformation.

Posting a hashtag, sharing a quote from a prophetic voice, or issuing a statement in response to public outcry—while not inherently wrong—can fall short if they are not backed by sustained commitment. True advocacy requires moving beyond words into tangible action.

My friend’s question to me is a simple one: “Are you as a Christian leader just going to walk around in a circle with a t-shirt on, or are you actually going to do something?”

Faith communities and faith leaders are called to be more than just echoes of popular movements. The question we must ask ourselves is: Whose voice are we giving a voice to? Are we centering the marginalized, the oppressed, and those directly affected? Or are we amplifying voices that maintain comfort while avoiding real discomfort?

Jesus himself modeled what it means to stand with the vulnerable. He didn’t merely talk about justice—He embodied it. He ate with outcasts, challenged systems of power, and called for radical love in action. He did not ostracize those who stepped out of line or who aligned with the other – rather, Jesus taught his followers to stand in solidarity with the poor; to stand-up for those who colored outside the lines; and with those who resisted oppressive structures.

So, how can faith communities and faith leaders ensure they are engaging in authentic advocacy rather than performative activism?

1. Listen First: Before speaking, listen to those directly affected. Build relationships, hear their experiences, and understand their needs.
2. Commit to Action: Words must be followed by deeds. Advocacy should include tangible steps—financial support, community programs, policy changes, and direct service.
3. Stay Engaged Beyond the Headlines: Advocacy is not a trend. Just because an issue fades from public discourse does not mean it no longer matters.
4. Use Your Platform Responsibly: Faith communities often have influence. How are we using it? Are we giving space for marginalized voices to lead, or are we controlling the narrative?
5. Reflect on Intentions: Are we advocating for justice because it is core to our faith, or because it is expected of us in a given moment?
6. Remember – This is not about you…

Faith communities and leaders have the potential to be powerful forces for justice. But this requires moving beyond statements and into sustained, meaningful work. It means standing in the uncomfortable places, prioritizing the voices of the oppressed, and being willing to follow rather than lead when necessary.

If our activism is only for show, it is empty. But if it is rooted in the Gospel’s call to love, justice, grace, and mercy, then it has the power to change lives—not just ours, but those we are called to serve.

So, whose voice are you giving a voice to?

Blessings on the journey…

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