In light of today’s verdict and as we prepare to gather with friends and family members for Thanksgiving, we share a reflection that provides theological, socio-political, and historical insight on the verdict by CRS Board Member and Criminal Justice Professor, Natasha Robinson Esq.

Today we witnessed a breach of justice once again as the state of Wisconsin failed to indict and hold a murderer accountable for his actions. Read Executive Director Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton’s response to the verdict.

This past week, Chicago lost a champion of civil rights, when author and historian, Timuel Black passed away at the age of 102. Read more about the important role played by Timuel Black in advancing social justice.

The threat we witnessed at the United States Capitol today is not unprecedented. We will hear political figures indicate the disorder does not reflect American practice and values. We cannot afford to be apologetic in this moment or romanticize American history.

Glowing flaming crosses are just as American as glaring red rockets. Systemic racism and White supremacy are among our nation’s cornerstones.

The Justice and Witness Ministry of the Chicago Metropolitan Association of the Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ has put together educational programs plus other resources.

Community Renewal Society is essential to the eradication of systemic racism in the United States because we must breathe.

Community Renewal Society congratulates President-elect Joseph Robinette (Joe) Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Devi Harris.

As Illinois prepares to celebrate Columbus Day, a state and federal holiday commemorating the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas back in 1492, we must acknowledge a population whose narrative predates Columbus’ time, Native Americans and Indigenous peoples.

Breonna Taylor was a beautiful young woman, who life was tragically taken away. This is enough to cry out for justice.

“Is it too much to ask for the breath of Black children not to be stolen?” Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ, a CRS member congregation, shares his lament in his sermonic film, Letter to My Son.

View the trailer for Pastor Otis Moss’ sermonic video, Letter To My Son, which premiered on August 9, 2020.

Let us lament in the face of languishing injustices, hatred, racism and brokenness that are part of our lives and part of our world.

“We must breathe” is a prophetic proclamation affirming self-worth and a righteous charge in the face of violence against Black and Brown bodies and lives.

God, you are the light of my life and the lover of my soul. You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. You know all, see all, and care for all.

I can no longer sustain my rage, God. I can no longer use my anger, my hurt, my desire for retribution to continue the fight to change the system.

Rev. Damon Smith offers a poem in reaction to the shooting of Jacob Blake.

“And how can the message be proclaimed if the messengers are not sent out? As the scripture says, 'How wonderful is the coming of messengers who bring good news!'“ — Romans 10:14-16 (Good News Translation)

What is freedom and liberation in this 21st century where as a U.S. citizen, there remains a staggeringly high domestic unemployment rate among young Black men, a lack of affordable housing, disproportionate violence against Black transgender women and a lack of local laws designed to protect Black children?

It is not a statement that is said lightly. However, it is a bold declaration of affirmation for those within the Black and Brown community who are often marginalized. When we say ‘All Black Lives Matter,’ this means Black queer lives matter. Black lesbian lives matter. Black transgender and transsexual lives matter.