This statement from CRS Executive Director Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton calls for courage, patience, and vision as widespread conflict and unrest escalate.

This Pentecost, CRS humbly shares the prophetic message of a bold and unafraid Palestinian people resisting genocide with resilient hope. Please join us in reflecting and read ‘They Were All in One Place Together’ from theologian, peace activist, and humanitarian Omar Haramy of Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center.

Following busy weeks of mission-driven action, CRS reflects on what justice and liberation mean to us and those across the globe. We remember that we are our ancestors’ wildest dreams and that even in the present, we are the future.

CRS hosted a peace sojourn to Jerusalem in solidarity with Palestinians who are suffering under Israel’s illegal occupation and dispossession of their land. It is important for us to be in the margins and be a prophetic voice in the wilderness, as our faith-based platforms can raise awareness and be a tool to dismantle oppression in our city, nation, and world.

CRS affirms our commitment to building Beloved Community. We acknowledge the unique oppression and shared struggles of our LGBTQIA+ neighbors that have persisted throughout history, and uplift their underrepresented stories, brave protests against intolerance, and movements of love over time and in the present.

Easter blessings from CRS! Read our Executive Director Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton’s 2025 message here. God assures us that we do not have to be afraid of the confusion, chaos, or the crimes against humanity. Instead, embrace the covenant, charge, and command to Believe in the unfailing love, grace, and faithfulness of God. 

CRS highlights our member congregation, University Church Chicago (UChurch), and Senior Pastor Rev. Julian DeShazier for actively protesting anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts during the 2025 Lenten season. Learn about UChurch’s stewardship of material resources and access a list of companies to both boycott and support in this blog article.   

CRS spotlights our member congregation, University Church Chicago (UChurch), and Senior Pastor Rev. Julian DeShazier. Located in Hyde Park, UChurch is a multi-ethnic, open and affirming Christian congregation. Their continuous mission in global solidarity affirms all persons regardless of their race, abilities, and sexual orientations.  

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!

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.

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.

CRS responds to President Trump’s Executive Order and attack on our transgender siblings entitled ‘Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.’

We celebrate our newest constituent member congregation at Community Renewal Society.

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.

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.

Unpacking complicity, theology, and justice, Rev. Ronald A. Nathan challenges the Black Church's stance on the Palestine-Israel conflict.

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.

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.

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.