Formed in 1979 by members of religious orders, congregations and sects who opted to live out their mission by helping the marginalized sectors in Philippine society. The prime movers were the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philip- pines (AMRSP), the National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA) of the Catholic Church and the National Council of Churches of the Philippines (NCCP) of the Protestant churches.

Through the years, EMJP has expanded to areas influenced by Islamic and other non-Christian religions. Its ecumenical character has become more inter-faith.

EMJP is a nationwide non-government human rights organization which envisions "a sovereign and democratic society where justice and peace reigns."

The human rights advocacy work of EMJP is anchored on and rooted to its guiding principles:

Only a society freed from poverty, political persecution and foreign domination can conceive the full realization of human rights; and

Only through the united struggle of the people to free themselves from such bondage shall the essence of human rights, as the foundation of the inalienable dignity of humankind, be fully realized.

EMJP's programs and services include organizing of justice and peace advocates, campaigns, education & training, research & documentation, and relief & rehabilitation.