Read staff reflections below of CRS’ powerful fall programming and enjoy photos and recordings! We thank our partners and all those who took part in the 2023 Illinois Conference United Church of Christ Annual Celebration, the A Gathering of Communities conference and our 141st Annual Membership Assembly.  

CRS opposes the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act passed in Uganda that criminalizes homosexuality and restricts the liberties of privacy and expression for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

CRS announces Sis. Fasika Y. Alem, Programs Director at the United African Organization, as a speaker for our virtual 2023 Annual Membership Assembly. Learn about her here.

CRS announces Rev. Craig B. Mousin, Associate Pastor for Immigrant Justice at Wellington United Church of Christ, as a speaker for our virtual 2023 Annual Membership Assembly. Learn about him here.

CRS announces Rev. Dr. Beth Brown, Pastor at Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church, as the keynote address speaker for our virtual 2023 Annual Membership Assembly. Learn about her here.

From the growing migrant crisis in our city, to observing the escalating tensions in our communities, to bearing witness to the destruction and devastation between Israel and Palestine, our hearts and souls ache.

We oppose the Protect Children’s Innocence Act, which if passed, would ban transgender youth from accessing gender-affirming care and make it harder for trans adults to get such care.

CRS is steadfast in its commitment to honoring the sanctity of life. We grieve the loss of all lives impacted by the culture of violence across the global diaspora, perpetuated through war, racism, poverty, disinheritance, xenophobia and all crimes against humanity, including white supremacist patriarchal systems of oppression.

CRS condemns violence and oppression and we call for humanity, peace and justice. Read this blog article to access resources for Palestine, Sudan, and more toward liberation and healing.

CRS is a member of the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago (CRLMC), which issued a joint statement in response to the racialized murder of 6-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume, targeted due to xenophobia and religious identity.

As people of faith, our mission aligns with the responsibility to recognize challenges and injustices and take action. Being an ally means actively unlearning and relearning in the pursuit of a more accurate, respectful and inclusive understanding of Native American culture and history.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month; a beacon of hope, a call to action and a reminder that we can work toward a better society. In this article, find ways to get involved in dismantling the stigma and silence around domestic violence.

Franchelle Brown joins Community Renewal Society as its Manager of Development and Communications, with a vibrant leadership style deeply rooted in faith and social justice. Read this article to learn about her passion for community and service.

While we have won by ending cash bail, this is the first leg of the race in dismantling practices and systems that criminalize being poor. Remaining vigilant is critical to secure full victory: Beloved Community.

CRS believes that the significance of accountability cannot be overstated. As people of faith advocating for racial, economic and social justice, it is critical that we always hold our leaders accountable.

September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. Check out our profiles of influential Hispanic figures below.

On September 13, nearly one hundred organizations sent an open letter to the Illinois State’s Attorney Association urging them to align with the collective statewide effort to faithfully implement the Pretrial Fairness Act.

In her pastoral response to living in a culture of violence and poverty, CRS Inaugural Yvonne V. Delk Theologian in Residence Rev. Erica N. Williams reflects on Jesus doing the work of love, justice and liberation in his ministry, and calls us to the do the same by showing radical and revolutionary compassion.

CRS continues our work with our coalition partners, member congregations, community members and volunteers to ensure the successful implementation of the Pretrial Fairness Act. Read this blog article to learn about the many ways you can get involved in the implementation.

Once implemented on September 18, 2023, the Pretrial Fairness Act will end money bond. Read this blog article to learn ways you can get involved in making the justice system safer and more equitable.