He stood defiantly at the gates of a local caravan park that had been home to working people for decades. The park was to be upgraded and the existing residents were to be moved on to make way for an upmarket concept. Reverend John wore his dog collar, black over garment and advocate's look of determination, showing all too clearly that his Christian values matched his Sunday oratory and his everyday actions.Wollongong has had a fine tradition of radical Reverends, if wanting a fair and socially just society is in fact a radical ideal to strive for. There was the Uniting Church's Reverend Clyde Dominish, who was honoured for his services to the community, particularly his work on unemployment.Reverend John Queripel, his colleague, was and continues to be admired for his creative grassroots approach to discussing Christian values. Now there is Reverend Gordon Bradbery, publicly commended for his dedication to each aspect of his work.The Uniting Church Illawarra Presbytery decision to terminate Rev Bradbery's term at the end of next year is doing the Wollongong community and the church congregation a great disservice.There is something crucial that people like these ministers comprehend and act on. They work with those who are poor, marginalised, neglected and discriminated against in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. They perform their role in the knowledge that every person has rights and entitlements to assistance and support. They know these entit-lements are often shamefully withheld or unavailable. Understanding the value of all human beings and the human rights they should be afforded and advocating for them is not so radical.It's really very basic.There is an unworthy notion of the deserving and undeserving poor that can unfairly push some who struggle to the margins where they remain out of sight, out of mind. It may be easier to show sympathy and compassion for those suffering hardship from natural disasters or inherited health problems for example, than those who live in poverty, struggle with addictions or are long-term unemployed. When a smoker buys a carton of cigarettes at the expense of groceries we rarely blame the multinational companies that build their wealth while their customers suffer ill-health.When a gambling addict loses the lot our anger seldom targets the governments addicted to the revenue they receive from gaming machines. When essential health and welfare services are withdrawn and families tear apart with the strain, not enough of us ask government ministers about their funding priorities.Rev Bradbery is one of our community leaders who works hard for a fairer, more egalitarian and compassionate society. He speaks out about problems and most importantly their causes. His dedication and honesty should be valued and supported.Making what you say in the pulpit mean something in the street, seeing people's strengths as well as their challenges and speaking out when it would be easier not to, can be attributed to Rev Bradbery.It seems Wollongong people from religious, spiritual and secular life understand the need for an authentic voice of leadership. Perhaps it's time we the people donned our Sunday best and advocated determinedly at the church gate.Sharon Callaghan is a community activist.