2025 WHM Spotlights
Women’s History Month (WHM) begins with a focus on five inspiring women who are making a lasting impact in their fields and within CRS’s mission to abolish racism and poverty. Check out our WHM spotlights here!
Member Congregation Spotlight: The Congregational Church of Park Manor UCC
CRS recently visited The Congregational Church of Park Manor UCC to witness its dynamic legacy firsthand. Founded in 1953 through the efforts of six organizations, including the City Missionary Society (now CRS), Park Manor has remained a pillar of faith and resilience. In a conversation with Rev. Dr. Janice E. Spraggins, we explored the church’s deep spiritual roots, music traditions, and ongoing transformation, including its growing partnership with Advocate UCC. Read the full story here.
Tracking Threatening Executive Orders
This blog article tracks executive orders issued by the current administration that limit affordable healthcare for low-income individuals, target refugees, roll back environmental protections, deepen disparities among marginalized communities, reinforce inequality, and more.
The World As We Want It
CRS responds to President Trump’s Executive Order and attack on our transgender siblings entitled ‘Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.’
Member Congregation Spotlight: Advocate United Church of Christ
We celebrate our newest constituent member congregation at Community Renewal Society.
Celebrating the Life of Rev. Dr. LeRoy Sanders
It is with deep sadness that CRS shares the news that Rev. Dr. LeRoy Sandersdied on December 13, 2024 and entered into life eternal. He was a beloved and esteemed pastor emeritus who served Kenwood United Church of Christ for 36 years.
Unmute Gaza
Gaza has been muted! Read CRS 2024 AMA Jerusalem Delegate Rev. Ronald A. Nathan’s second Love and Lament reflection, where he questions who pressed the mute button so that we are unable to hear the cries of Gaza’s babies, the sick, the aged, the hungry, and the prisoners.
Black Church: Duped or Confused on Israel?
Unpacking complicity, theology, and justice, Rev. Ronald A. Nathan challenges the Black Church's stance on the Palestine-Israel conflict.
We. Were. Built. For. This.
Following the results of Election Day on November 5, 2024, CRS Board Member and Chairperson and Project Manager for the Illinois Alliance for Reentry & Justice Rev. Avalon Betts-Gaston shares her reflection on resilience and gifts from our ancestors.
When We Fight and Pray, We Win
Following the results of Election Day on November 5, 2024, CRS Board Member Dr. Ulysses W. Burley III shares his reflection for people of faith and Americans created in the image of an inclusive and affirming God, challenging them to embrace their feelings.
A Day of Remembrance Reflection and Tribute
CRS is blessed to have a poignant reflection and tribute from one of our Annual Membership Assembly Jerusalem delegates, Brother Laurence Steven Minter, as we pause in solidarity on this Day of Remembrance. Please read it in this blog article and join us in recognizing and affirming the truth.
Care for Chicago
Chilly temperatures are ahead, but CRS is warming bodies and hearts! Find jackets, pantry items, presents, and other holiday essentials in this blog article, and share the resources with your network to offer comfort and cheer.
A Call to Action for People of Faith: Stand Against Injustice
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 9495, a bill that could have devastating consequences for the nonprofit organizations that serve as lifelines to our communities and voices for our values. In times of trial and uncertainty, we are called to be watchful, discerning, and bold in our witness for justice.
A Prayer for Peace and Healing in Gaza
As CRS and delegates sojourn to Jerusalem for our 142nd Annual Membership Assembly, in partnership with the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center and in solidarity with Palestinian activists, CRS Manager of Human Resources Rev. Dr. Ebony E. Only shares her Prayer for Peace and Healing in Gaza.
What Do We Tell Our Children When They Ask
Following the results of Election Day on November 5, 2024, CRS Board Member and Imani Village Ambassador and Community Outreach Organizer Kevin Tyson shares his reflection, considering the rights of our children.
Love and Lament From a Minister in a Swing State
Following the results of Election Day on November 5, 2024, CRS Board Member and Michigan Conference Minister of the United Church of Christ Rev. Dr. Lillian Daniel shares her reflection from a swing state.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
No matter the final ballot count, we must remember our mission and work continues. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to be vessels of love in the world - during our victories and amidst trials and disappointments. We can acknowledge our lamentations and remain on the wall as truth-tellers, prophetic witnesses, and good troublemakers.
The Lesser of Two Evils!
Today is Election Day. That means today, Tuesday, November 5, is the last day to cast our votes for a host of political offices that have the power to determine the course of the future for our individual and communal lives. CRS encourages all who read this to make that choice.
Justice Is the Boulder We Push
CRS and our member congregation, Urban Village Church, Wicker Park, co-hosted a virtual gathering on October 23. This online meeting set out to educate our network on the battle to end pretextual traffic stops in Chicago and empower folks to mobilize because, as asserted before, when we fight, we win.
“My Congregation Votes” … in 2024!
With Election Day approaching on November 5, CRS launched our “My Congregation Votes” 2024 campaign to help people of faith and goodwill ensure that they are registered and ready to vote. Read this blog article to find voting resources and commit to voting.