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 Brown-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.

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.

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.