The City Mission’s view is expressed through the values that characterize our work. Our values give us a social outlook that commits us to always speak and act on behalf of the weakest members of society.
Dignity
All people are created in God’s image with a dignity and worth no one has a right to violate. We believe God loves all people, and that all love originates from God. Therefore, all people have a right to be met with the same dignity, respect and care regardless of their circumstances in life. Dignity can also be given expression by giving people the opportunity for redress and a new life, regardless of what they have experienced of suffering, debasement and malice. The City Mission will insist on the individual’s worth and dignity even when change does not seem to be imminent.
Fellowship
Humans are created for fellowship and community. We depend on one another. This dependence can ultimately be used to violate others through injustices and abuse of power, yet it is through meeting others that one comes to understand oneself and find one’s own identity. A relationship of trust fills us with hope and joy, gives a sense of closeness and belonging, self-worth and pride. Our task is to create fellowship where these values exist, and to fight dependency’s possibilities of abuse.
The multi-cultural city poses new challenges and opportunities for fellowship. Our desire is for this perspective to be central in The City Mission’s community-building work.
Materialism has come to hold a strong position in our society in recent years. Our belief is that other values are more decisive and important in order to attain a worthy life. Through our fellowship, we wish to be an anti-movement against materialism and consumption deemed destructive. We want to create meeting grounds where individuals sense that they are seen and heard regardless of status, education or financial means.
Justice
All people have the same fundamental rights and obligations, regardless of skin color, cultural background, religion, social status, sex, sexual identity or other factors. All have a right to life, health, housing, education, work, religious practice and legal protection. This is based on all individuals’ unique worth. All life is given and created by God. We must administer everything according to God’s will. God has asked us to manage it such that everyone gets their share, and especially to ensure that the poor and needy get what they have a right to. The City Mission wishes to take part in society and the social debate in a way that will help establish systems and solutions that will secure all people getting their share of society’s goods and benefits.
Solidarity
The Church’s message gives authority and dignity to the poor and to those who are expelled in various ways from society. Solidarity is about standing together with others in a mutual and equal relationship. One person’s well-being is not more important than another’s, no matter how different people are. The City Mission wishes to work in solidarity with those who are the least fortunate in our society. This must happen both with regard to the powers that expel individuals from society, in support for the rejected individuals and their struggle against the expelling authorities, and by giving people the opportunity to take part in work that gives a sense of meaning to others people’s lives.
There is an element of power inherent in all relationships. This is why power and authoritative management is central to all aspects of health and social work. Most people are in a vulnerable position and more sensitive when they need care or help. Negative use of power or authority can prevent the individual from being seen and respected from their position, their value or distinctive character. A good power administrator, however, will be able to give strength and courage towards change. This is a challenge to both society and to The City Mission’s activities and functions.
Compassion
We want compassion to be a visible expression of God’s love among people. We understand compassion as attentiveness, generosity and openness, an expression of an equal and mutual meeting between people. Where charity is about giving good gifts, compassion also entails a willingness and ability to take part in the lives of fellow human beings who have experienced pain and suffering. The City Mission wants to offer help and support regardless of circumstance.
Hope and faith
People have longings, dreams and hopes -- for closeness and belonging. God has created humankind with the possibility of regaining ground and rebuilding lives, no matter what we have experienced of pain, degradation or evil. And He has given us an inherent source for hope and courage to live. The City Mission’s desire is to be a place where the longing, the hope and the dream can find nourishment, - in an openness towards God and through a communion with fellow human beings.