Holidays can be hard for many LGBTQIA+ people, especially Thanksgiving, but Friendsgiving can be a lifeline.

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

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.

On June 6, 2023, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) declared a state of emergency for LGBTQIA+ people in the United States. Join us in our efforts to secure and protect human rights and build Beloved Community, a place of equality free of discrimination and hate.

In a exclusive interview with People Magazine, Wayne Brady opened up about his sexuality, saying he is pansexual. Read this blog article to learn what pansexual means and about Brady’s road to self-discovery and acceptance.

The Chicago Police Department is inviting the public to join two virtual focus groups to provide feedback on its gender-based violence-related policies. CRS urges your participation as we aim to make Chicago and the world a safer space.

Uncover Bayard Rustin's inspiring journey leading the 1964 March on Washington, and explore CRS's initiatives like the Bayard Rustin Fellowship and Bayard's Brigade, connecting inclusive congregations for LGBTQIA+ justice and equity.

CRS is celebrating Pride Month by hosting Pride & Poetry on June 30, a free open mic with two featured poets, Tarnynon Onumonu and Goddess Warrior the Poet. Learn more about the event and poets below.

CRS is celebrating Pride Month by hosting Trans 101 on June 15, facilitated by Kayden Coleman. Learn more about this virtual event and Kayden Coleman here.

CRS is celebrating Pride Month by hosting “Does the Church Love Us?” on June 10. Learn more about this event and meet the panelists and moderator here.

CRS recognizes the importance of working in the LGBTQIA+ space and addressing issues of intersectionality. This recognition is part of a broader shift in the field of social justice, which has increasingly acknowledged the importance of considering multiple intersecting forms of identity and oppression.

The forum brought together a diverse group of community members, congregations, moderators, panelists and candidates to discuss issues that are important to our city, and our community's engagement during the event helped to create a lively and informative discussion.

With the recent increase in anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation by states, we invite you to also join our call to the U.S. Congress to pass the Equality Act.

This year’s theme is Together, We Win! These questions can be used to guide conversation with your congregation after viewing the 2022 Annual Membership Assembly video. We would love to hear from you the thoughts and plans that came out of your discussion.

The Illinois Conference UCC, Elmhurst University, and Community Renewal Society released a press release with details of their upcoming event Out and Faithful: A Multifaith Celebration of Queer Spirituality and a Call to Advocacy on October 11.

CRS has gathered this list of links to be used as a resource for information, education, and even some entertainment, and to be an encouragement to the LGBTQIA+ community. The Beloved Community is inclusive of all, for all. That is PRIDE!

CRS has gathered this list of links to be used as a resource for information, education, and even some entertainment, and to be an encouragement to the LGBTQIA+ community. The Beloved Community is inclusive of all, for all. That is PRIDE!

Rustin, a gay Black man, was the genius behind the 1964 March on Washington. You may not have heard of Bayard due to his name being on several FBI lists based on his sexuality, affiliation with the Communist party and history of advocacy. No matter what, Rustin refused to stop his fight for justice.

All 220 United States House Democrats, along with 47 Republicans, voted to approve legislation to protect the rights to same-sex and interracial marriage, in the Respect for Marriage Act which passed on July 19. Although 157 Republicans voted against it, this legislation is the most pro-LGBTQIA+ vote in Congressional history.

The Illinois name change ban is recognized as one of the most restrictive laws around legal name changes when compared to other states in the nation. The Illinois name change ban is discriminatory in nature, imposes harsh restrictions, and creates barriers for individuals who wish to change their name, in addition to the already long name change process.