Joe Frans, fighter for justice, draws strength from the Bible

UPPSALA, Sweden — “I learned to read by reading the Bible,” says Joe Frans. Joe grew up in Ghana, West Africa, and today he works as a political advisor in Stockholm. The Bible still forms an important foundation in his life and in his work against injustice.

“It’s no coincidence that I’m committed to issues concerning racism and social issues,” he says. “When I read the Bible I’m strengthened in my convictions about social injustice.”

His office is on the third floor of Stockholm’s city hall, with a beautiful view over central Stockholm. Among other things Joe works with issues concerning democracy and education in the Stockholm area.

Anti-racist

“My political activity started during the mid-Eighties in the fight against racism, which I saw growing at that time,” he says. For several years he was one of the leaders of the anti-racist movement called Leave My Friend Alone.

In the Bible God says to humankind, “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39), words which have become important to him.

“Taken as a whole, the Bible, and maybe especially the New Testament, is extremely powerful. It activates me to work actively against racism — among other things,” he says.

From Ghana

Joe came to Sweden from Ghana as an exchange student in 1982. He grew up in a Christian family in his homeland, and was brought up partly by a priest.

“The Bible has always been a part of everyday life for me. When I was little we didn’t read fairy tales in the evening before going to bed, we read the Bible.”

During his time as a student in Sweden, Joe continued to read the Bible regularly, and still does. At home, he has a special computer program which recites Bible verses.

“I find counsel and strength in the Bible. When it feels like it’s difficult or impossible to cope with a situation, I think of events in the Bible which give me strength, hope and confidence.”

Hope

One of the accounts which gives him hope and strength relates how Jesus is killed by being hung on a cross, but later rises from the grave and comes to life again.

“I see the story of Jesus as one showing God’s presence among us,” he says. As an immigrant Joe can identify with Jesus, who, according to the Bible, was an immigrant in Egypt.

“It’s fascinating to me to see how the Bible’s message speaks to me through the different phases of life.” (WR 359/9 - 4/5.01) [PHOTOS]