Are You, Your Brother's Keeper?

"Am I my brother's keeper?" There you have the whole Biblical understanding that you are your brother's keeper. You also have a whole other understanding in which you are not your brother's keeper. And I've heard some extremely bright people take this position. ~ Elie Wiesel

We are not our brother’s keeper we are our brother and we are our sister. We must look past complexion and see community. ~ Maya Angelou

The oppressed must never allow the conscience of the oppressor to slumber. Religion reminds every man that he is his brother's keeper. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

All life is interrelated. The agony of the poor impoverishes the rich; the betterment of the poor enriches the rich. We are inevitably our brother's keeper because we are our brother's brother. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

The past three days were personally powerful for me. What struck me the most were two keynote speakers, one - a Sister/Catholic Nun and the other, Dr. Rashad Anderson. They both used the phrase originating from the Bible, specifically the story of Cain and Abel. The idea of "your brother's keeper" challenges you to consider your responsibility toward others. It asks how much you should care for and support those around you, especially the vulnerable and marginalized. Throughout history, different perspectives have shaped how this powerful concept applies in religious, political, social, and personal contexts.

From a religious and moral standpoint, you are often taught that helping others is not just an option but a duty. All faiths emphasize kindness, justice, and caring for those in need. They encourage you to see yourself as part of a greater community where people support one another. If you take this responsibility seriously, you contribute to a society that is stronger and more just.

When viewed through a social and political lens, "your brother’s keeper" extends to the role of community programs and government policies. Some argue that society must ensure basic needs for all, supporting welfare and protections for marginalized groups. Others believe that personal responsibility is paramount and that individuals should rely on themselves rather than the government. Where do you stand? Do you believe society should collectively care for its most vulnerable, the marginalized, as both the Catholic Sister and Dr. Anderson mention students of colour should and must be cared for even under difficult situations, or do you see self-reliance as the primary path forward?

My Mother's father (my Mooshum/Grandfather) whom was a special forces soldier in WWII for both Canada and USA, a war hero and a person that lived with extreme trauma, always told us grand children, "no matter what you do, you always care for the vulnerable, the marginalized, any people that historically had hate placed upon them, you know this and experience this! You may not agree with his or her actions, but you must show your true heart, your Catholic soul of compassion, reconciliation and mercy. We all make mistakes throughout our lives but we need to see through the forest, if we get lost in the forest, we need to refocus and regroup, and understand who we are as Cree Metis people, we never put down the disadvantaged from anywhere."

On a personal level, this concept pushes you to examine your own actions within your family, friendships, and community. Will you step in to help when someone is struggling, or will you look away, as Cain did in the Bible? The choices you make don’t just affect one person, they shape the culture of your community. Do you foster empathy and restorative reconciliation, or do you ignore the call to do what is right? Restorative reconciliation is most work, but more work builds a stronger society.

Ultimately, "your brother’s keeper" is a question you must answer for yourself. Whether you see it as a religious obligation, a government responsibility, or a personal test, it influences how you perceive and engage with the world. How far you embrace this idea can shape the strength and fairness of your community that you may lead, and determine what kind of person you choose to be.