JUSTICE REQUIRES US
From community safety and immigrant justice to global solidarity and disability inclusion, join CRS as we organize for a more just and loving world.
Community Renewal Society is a faith-based, community organizing and public policy organization that works with congregations in and around Chicago to address issues of racism and poverty.
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Increase police accountability in Chicago through citywide coalition, constituency and capacity building, by ensuring civilian control of the Chicago Police Department and implementing the Federal Consent Decree.
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Increase employment, housing and educational opportunities for directly impacted people within jail or the prison industrial complex by advancing legislative reforms that restore rights and create economic opportunities for people with records.
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Advocate for reparations and economic justice as restitution for moral injury, protracted trauma and cultural disinheritance.
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Increase shared vision of The Beloved Community, commitment to justice, equity, inclusion, healing and advocacy in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ communities.
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Community Renewal Society is engaged in racial healing through our commitment to honor the full humanity of individuals impacted by the prison industrial complex, persons displaced and homeless, and by honoring the narratives of those lives stolen by racialized violence, discrimination and police brutality. We are committed to building bridges and providing resources to facilitate healing in diverse capacities.
2026-2027 Platform For Renewal
The Platform for Renewal encompasses five key issue areas reflecting on extensive listening sessions, detailed policy analysis and our commitment together with our member congregations and coalition partners, to do the work of antiracism and justice.
Read About Our Work
CRS attended the July 12 Lawndale Christian Community Church Service to celebrate 20 years of The Firehouse Community Arts Center of Chicago. We heard Firehouse Executive Director Pastor Phil Jackson break down how this beacon of violence interruption and public safety ignited.
Looking ahead to the 250th Independence Day (July 4), CRS further recognizes the sacrifices and resilience of our ancestors who carried the promise of liberty forward, even when it was unjustly denied to them. Yet much work remains until freedom truly flies.
To support Chicagoans impacted by high temperatures, flooding, and tornadoes, CRS released a list of extreme weather resources from local, state and federal agencies. Read this blog article to access the resources.
Throughout scripture, Fathers and Father Figures are used to teach us about love, responsibility, sacrifice, and belonging. On Father’s Day, CRS honors those who embody these values and help build a better world for the generations that follow.
CRS holds Karmelo Anthony and his family in love and compassion. Their lives, too, have been forever altered. Whatever happens next, the circle of their family has also been broken. They are carrying fear, uncertainty, and pain that few of us can fully understand.
CRS laments the death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton and holds his family, loved ones, and community in prayer following the recent verdict in South Carolina.
This Memorial Day, CRS remembers those who gave their lives in service to this nation. May we not grow weary. May we remain faithful. And may we continue striving toward a future worthy of what was given.
CRS grieves with the Islamic Center of San Diego and communities across our nation and world, bereaved due to the unrest of war, genocide, Islamophobia, state-sanctioned violence, and a culture of racism and violence we must decry.
We share a Mother’s Day reflection from CRS Manager of Development and Communications, Franchelle Stanford, who looks back on her motherhood journey, amazed at the power that mothering holds.
In case you missed it, we gathered in Grant Park on March 28 to join the No Kings Rally hosted by faith and social justice organizations throughout Chicago. CRS Policy and Organizing Associate Ikechukwu Ozuzu Jr. reflects in this blog article.
CRS shares an Easter Reflection from our Temporary Acting Executive Director, Keron Blair, who calls people of faith and goodwill to ask questions worth exploring.
CRS Interim Executive Director Keron Blair wants to invite reflection and a call to action in this moment as our nation launches military strikes in Iran. As people of faith, we hold the view that human life is sacred. We are worried because war always comes with great loss of life. So with all this worry, what are we to do and say?
This March 2026, CRS celebrates Women’s History Month, an occasion to recognize well-known trailblazers and also uplift unsung heroes. Beyond the spotlight are courageous women who strategized in churches, led mass campaigns, and risked their lives to obtain the rights we have now. Their history is no longer in the headlines, but their resistance resides in modern-day mobilizers.
CRS was humbled to join The Power of the People Summit: Building Coalition to Protect Our Civil Rights hosted by U.S. Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (IL-03) on February 20 at New Hope Bible Church in Chicago. Read our summit debrief here!
It is with profound sorrow that CRS mourns the passing of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., a civil rights leader, movement builder, and prophetic witness whose life reshaped our nation. We share a statement on behalf of our Board and Directors and staff.
Make a plan to vote in Illinois! Read this blog article to learn about voter registration, check out a sample ballot, review election deadlines, and more.
The impact of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.’s life work is indelible across the globe and certainly in our hearts. He was a giant amongst giants, and he was a servant of the people — dedicated to uplifting those in the margins and inspiring hope. CRS invites you to read our statement and join us in celebrating Rev. Jackson’s life and beautiful ministry of service alongside his family and our partner, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Rest in peace and power.
Moving from Valentine’s Day into Lent (February 18-April 2), CRS reflects on the deeper meaning behind why February 14 is celebrated. Saint Valentine, the patron saint associated with Valentine’s Day, expressed love through action and conviction.
CRS Communications Coordinator Chris Groza had the privilege of speaking with Rev. Jamar A. Boyd II, Senior Pastor of Kenwood United Church of Christ, a CRS member congregation whose walls hold both memory and movement.
When I think of MLK Day, the man himself doesn’t appear to me. Black people do—of skin that is bronze, chocolate, almond, midnight (as the Black boys and people that turn Blue in the twilight whilst Juan teaches them to swim), and hues with etcetera’s that paint every continent under the sun.
For months now, folks all over this country have been protesting the expanded use and increased militarization of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the National Guard. These protests and complaints have been rooted in a meaningful question about our democracy and our ability to move freely and protest. So what is next, and what is our call as people of faith and goodwill in this moment?
CRS condemns the irreversible harm that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and police violence cause in our Beloved Community. We remember Renee Nicole Good and call for justice.
In this statement, CRS Executive Director Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton speaks on the urgency of now. She calls on the community to protect the sanctity of life beyond neatly phrased condolences following a tragedy on September 28 in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, which resulted in at least four fatalities and eight injuries.
Minnesota has experienced tragic and traumatic public acts of violence these past few months. In August, school children and other worshippers were gathered at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis to start the school year when their prayers were interrupted by shooting.
In July, CRS petitioned to keep four major WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) sites open: 416 E. 43rd Street, 1802 E. 71st Street, 2310 W. Roosevelt Road, and 1643 W. Cermak Road. Thanks to the dedication of our community, the 416 E. 43rd Street clinic will remain open until March 2026. This means the fight is not over!
The work of building a righteous budget and a righteous city belongs to all of us. As people of faith, we are called to partner in that work, to hold leaders accountable, and to embody righteousness in our public life. Join us in the struggle for economic justice.
News out of Washington is that Chicago is next on the President’s list of cities where he wants to deploy federal troops to “crack down on crime,” which actually continues to decrease. In this moment, CRS believes we must be coordinated in strategy, called in purpose, and sound in our approach.
CRS reflects on resistance in this blog article by our Community Impact and Special Projects Consultant, Keron Blair. We call you to join us as we offer steadiness and shelter while the world shakes, trembles, and worries.
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Become a part of Community Renewal Society’s pursuit of social justice, empowering you with resources, insights, and opportunities to challenge systemic injustices and help build equitable, inclusive communities together!
Take Action
Join CRS' mission for positive change by visiting our "Take Action" page. Become a District Council Member, sign the Reparations Pledge and support crucial legislation. Access resources to find officials, understand legislation and request speakers. Engage in advocacy, faith-based discussions and civic activities like voter registration and letter-writing. Share your thoughts with The Chicago Reporter, connect with CRS on social media and subscribe to our newsletter. Donate to support our work and make a difference today!
Resources
When temperatures in Cook County rise to unsafe levels, the County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security provides an updated list of cooling centers for residents who do not have access to air conditioning. Residents may bring their pets, provided they are secured in a carrier.
This article looks at the specific health considerations for members of the LGBTQ+ community to showcase the importance of personal health for LGBTQ+ individuals.
To support Chicagoans impacted by high temperatures, flooding, and tornadoes, CRS released a list of weather resources from local, state, and federal agencies including information on cooling centers, dry shelters, home security for looting prevention, animal care needs, Red Cross services, and more.
This practical guide from Innerbody Research explores crisis support, shelter/housing resources, and mental health care for LGBTQ+ youth and adults facing homelessness or housing instability.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent or balancing a job and kids, chances are you’ve felt the mental, emotional, and physical toll. If you’re looking for someone to talk to, want to feel less alone, or need practical parenting support, this article shares some trusted, no-cost resources you can turn to.
Estate planning can look different for same-sex couples, especially when legal protections and family recognition vary by state. In this guide, explore how a thoughtfully prepared estate plan helps protect your partner, clarify decision-making authority, and ensure your wishes are respected, regardless of where you live.
Educating yourself and others about the scale and impact of anti-Asian prejudice is the best way to better understand those who experience racism. Sharing information about their experiences helps to uplift their voices, foster compassion, and diminish prejudice or ignorance to the problem. This compilation includes 25 facts and statistics about anti-Asian hate.
Warming centers offer residents refuge from oppressive winter cold. Access this map from the Chicago Data Portal and use the filters to find a warming center location near you.
IDP’s community defense work is geared toward building the capacity of advocates and directly impacted individuals to respond to immigration issues.
If you have experienced abuse and domestic violence, you aren’t alone. Help is out there. This article will provide you with resources for navigating or escaping domestic violence. These resources can be for you, or shared with someone who may need them.
This article provides insight into what menopause can look like for trans individuals, the unique challenges they may face, and how to foster more inclusive care.
Cybersecurity has traditionally lacked LGBTQIA+ visibility, especially in technical and leadership roles. In this guide, you will learn about inclusive education options, scholarships, entry points, supportive employers, career paths, and how to navigate challenges while thriving in this rapidly growing field.
Here you’ll find resources dedicated to giving marginalized groups all the support necessary to be successful in substance use disorder treatment and sustained sobriety.
In this article, learn how to identify and avoid microaggressions in your education journey, whether you’re in a physical classroom or an online learning environment.
This site includes resources from the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), the largest, oldest, and most active support group for people wounded by religious and institutional authorities.
Check out this toolkit compiled by the Coalition For Free And Fair Filing to learn how you can file your taxes for free and access Tax Day resources.
This article includes a diverse collection of LGBTQIA+ resources for mental health, scholarships, and more.
Explore this comprehensive guide to health and wellness for the transgender community, covering inclusive healthcare, mental and physical well-being, and advocacy for rights and support by SingleCare.
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.
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.
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.
LGBTQIA+ job seekers face unique challenges. Understanding legal rights, identifying inclusive employers, and refining job search strategies are key steps. This guide offers tips to navigate applications, evaluate workplaces, and advocate for inclusivity and support.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Discrimination, societal pressures, and co-occurring disorders are just a few potential triggers for substance use in the LGBTQIA+ community. This article explores why rates of drug abuse and addiction in this population are higher than those of other groups.
Transgender individuals and gender-nonconforming (GNC)/gender-diverse (GD) patients face a lot of challenges in life, especially when it comes to healthcare. They are often subject to misgendering, harassment, and microaggressions, which often lead to a delay in seeking care and treatment. This article explores concepts and care recommendations for delivering gender-affirming nursing care.
Read this article to learn about a range of business funding and resources available for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, highlighting their importance in creating a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.
People with substance use disorders who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) face unique challenges and stigma that make securing addiction treatment difficult. For this reason, members of the LGBTQ community may benefit from the specialized drug and alcohol rehab programs listed in this guide designed for their specific health issues and needs.
August is full of observances! Check out the list here and take action with CRS by engaging with our Facebook and Instagram posts that acknowledge these special designations
Join the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability at their public meeting to help us hold the Commission accountable for civilian oversight of the Chicago Police Department.
Events
We are a congregation of Christians open to all, extending Christ’s welcome to everyone. We are individuals who are seeking to grow in our Christian faith, and welcome others to join us in this adventure.
Visit: bethel-ucc.org
Bethlehem is, above all, a community of faith. We seek to help one another grow in our faith in God made known in Jesus. We come to this community at different places in our individual faith journey. Some of us are life-long Lutherans. Some are new to the Lutheran expression of Christianity or even new to the Christian faith. Some of us are doubting and questioning. Some of us are stronger in our faith than ever before. Faith is a journey. Wherever you are in faith at the moment, you are welcome here.
At Christ Church, we are driven by our divine calling to embrace and spread God's teachings. Through worship, prayer, and various ministries, we strive to continue the work of Jesus Christ. Our mission extends beyond the walls of our church, as we aim to treat everyone with compassion and kindness, while aiding those in need. Join us in our worship experience, where lay people actively take part in various roles, creating a vibrant and inclusive community.
A church where we will worship, study, tithe, proclaim JESUS CHRIST, and reach out to change the community and the world.
Visit: Facebook
Congregational United Church of Christ has been extending a hand of friendship and journey of faith to all who enter our doors since our first worship service in 1959.
Visit: congucc.org
At First Baptist Congregational, our doors are open to every soul seeking to welcome Jesus Christ into their hearts. We foster a community where we teach individuals to show their love for The Lord and for one another through worship and community service.
Visit: https://www.fbccchicago.net/
We are a place where people come together to worship God, grow in community, and spread God’s love outside the walls of our church. FCCLG is an Open and Affirming congregation of the UCC. Wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!
Visit: fcclg.org
Welcomes everyone to Christ’s table; Nurtures people’s minds and souls on their spiritual journeys; Learns across faiths and generations; Serves God’s vision of peace and well-being for all creation; and Practices compassion and service as a way of life.
Visit: fccw.org
First Congregational United Church of Christ first started on August 3 of 1843. We are an Open and Affirming Church and welcome all who chose to pray with us.
First Church of Lombard, United Church of Christ, is called together by a vision of God’s shalom, God’s wholeness, justice and peace. We commit to model a community of faith and spirit that works toward unity, openness, understanding and peace, offering love, justice, healing and wholeness for all people.
Visit: https://www.fcol.org/
You will find First Congregational Church to have an accepting, caring and nonjudgmental spirit where faith is renewed and power for living is found. A central foundation of our church is a dedication to justice and peace issues.
Visit: www.loveandjustice.org
We are a diverse congregation, joyously united to address personal and societal challenges with passionate action for the healing of the world.
Visit: https://firstuchicago.org
In our Vision 2020 for the future of our church: We are moving: to witness in our relationship with God, to intimate fellowship in our relationship with other members of the church, to changing structures in our relationship with the world.
The Mission of First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights is to be a nurturing and inclusive community, actively connecting faith and life, and empowering our congregation to serve in the world.
Visit: fumcah.com
We reflect the face of a loving, accepting God. All we serve experience a sense of welcome and a compelling drive to make a difference. And, our pioneering spirit keeps us open to new ways to follow wherever Christ leads.
Visit: chicagotemple.org
We are a light in the city reflecting the inclusive love of God. Comforted and challenged by the Gospel of Christ, we strive to be a welcoming, serving community. At the intersection of faith and life, we share God's grace through worship, preaching, education, and ministries of healing, reconciliation, and justice. We affirm the worth of all and nurture each individual's spiritual pilgrimage. Inspired by our heritage, we confront our future with hope and confidence in God's purpose.
Visit at: fourthchurch.org
The Glenview Community Church, UCC, unites Christians of all denominations on the common principles of belief in God, Christ, the Bible, and the Church, with each member interpreting these beliefs as conscience dictates.
Visit: gccucc.org
The ministry of Grace is about living out our vision and core values. Every person in the Grace community has permission, and is encouraged, to carry out this ministry; in whatever ways God is calling them.
Visit: graceevanston.org
It is our desire to serve God and God’s people by spreading the Gospel message through the preached word, Bible Study and Music Ministry; provide activities and services that enrich the Body, Mind and Soul; create an environment for cultivating leaders for ministry and service; and provide a safe haven for children of all ages to grow and prosper in the ways of the Lord.
Visit: grucc.org
We take the Bible seriously in its historical and literary context. Scripture witnesses of itself that it is "inspired by God and useful for teaching, rebuke, correction, and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). To make good use of these inspired writings, however, we must be continually "transformed by the renewal of our minds" (Romans 12:12).
Visit: www.highlandspreschurch.org
Kenilworth Union Church is an ecumenical church community. The church gathers to worship in search of God’s guidance and inspiration, and is sent out to love and serve God and others. Independent of any particular denomination, the church’s identity is formed by its devotion to God.
We embrace our legacy of working for justice and the full humanity of all humankind and seek to live into its vision: “United in Christ’s love, a just world for all.” We take seriously Jesus’ imperative to care for the “least of these.”
Visit: kenwooducc.com
We recognize that people look for God in many ways. Whether you visit in person or online, we hope you discover something here to encourage you in your spiritual journey.
Visit: lincolnchurchchicago.com
At LMC we rejoice and reform in the love of God through engaging in worship and the world around us. We respond to our neighbors through service and advocacy and we support each other to renew our faith. Come and share the Gospel with us.
Northfield Community Church's commitment is to be an inclusive and compassionate community that encourages, enlists, equips and enables its members and friends to engage in tangible acts of help and hope.
Newcomers to our church are seeking a spiritual home, a place for fellowship, an opportunity to serve, religious education for their children, or a place in which they are free to explore their own spirituality. We’re glad that you found us, and we invite you to get to know our Beloved Community!
Visit: nsuc.org
Our Saviour’s strives to “Grow together in faith and understanding of God’s grace.” All people in a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ are encouraged to let God’s Spirit deepen their relationship. Everyone is welcome.
Visit: oursaviours.org
Pilgrim , United Church of Christ identifies as a multiracial and multicultural church. This commitment shows itself in all aspects of church life: worship, Christian education, social action, and fellowship groups.
Believing in God’s inclusive love, we welcome all into full participation in the congregation, regardless of age, ability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, faith background, family configuration, or socioeconomic status.
Visit: https://popumc.com/
Member Congregations
Acting Associate Conference Minister
Chicago Metropolitan Association, Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ
Meet the Officers & Staff
The Chicago Reporter was founded in 1972 by John A. McDermott to measure Chicago’s progress toward racial equality as the civil rights era ended. Since its inception, it has been housed at Community Renewal Society.
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The Reporter serves a critical role in the city and nation by focusing the power of investigative reporting on issues of inequality that rarely receive thorough and regular examination by mainstream media organizations. Our core areas of coverage are criminal justice, affordable housing and economic development, jobs and transportation.
The Reporter’s investigations have had a significant impact on policy and the public discourse in Chicago. In the 1980s, then Mayor Harold Washington cited the Reporter’s work in addressing long standing racial inequalities in the distribution of city services. Almost 25 years later, the Reporter’s investigation of racially disparate home mortgage lending sparked a lawsuit by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan that resulted in an $8.7 billion settlement with Countrywide Financial. And in 2015, the Reporter was the only media organization in the city to acquire a video of a police officer shooting into a car of unarmed African-American teenagers, one of many cases of police-involved shootings leading up the release of a video showing the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy is felt around the world, and here in Chicago as well. Dr. King spoke about how leaders from Chicago marched with discipline and restraint even when antagonized by racist bystanders.