Justice and Peace

God calls us as Christians to live out our faith and be active in the world, serving others in need and working for Justice and Peace in our community and our country. In changing times, it is especially important that we be vigilant and stand up for what we believe. This page provides resources to help us fulfill our Christian mission. If you know of other organizations that are working to support this mission, or specific programs or other initiatives, please let us know so they can be added to the page. Contact Troy Medlin (tmedlin@graceriverforest.org) with information and a web link.

Social Policy Resolution: Toward Ending the Occupation of Palestine

“Resolved, to encourage ELCA members, congregations, synods, and appropriate churchwide units to advocate for human rights, justice, and peace for all Palestinians and Israelis and support policies that bring an end to the occupation of Gaza and the West Bank–while maintaining the right and sovereignty of the State of Israel to exist–and promote a just and peaceful resolution of the conflict… “
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Ice Cream Social: Sept. 12 from 4 - 7 PM

Location: Austin Gardens, 167 Forest Ave, Oak Park
Meet peacekeepers from the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago, learn how community violence intervention is creating a safer city for us all, and enjoy some ice cream on us. This event is sponsored by Unity Temple.
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Lutherans Unite for Illinois: September 16 at 11 AM

Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (611 Randolph St, Oak Park, IL 60302)
Lutherans United for Illinois will highlight the vital role of human services in Illinois and the strength of a united Lutheran voice in support of the most vulnerable in our communities. We hope you can join us! There is no cost to attend. Lunch will be served after the program.
Please RSVP below or email Mariah.Heinz@lssi.org by September 9
RSVP
Church World Services: Action Alerts

“Sign up to receive the latest updates on immigration policy and to be the first to find out about opportunities to raise your voice in support of policies that advance our vision of a world in which every person has food, voice, and a safe place to call home.” (cwsglobal.org)
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Lawndale Christian Legal Center
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“Resilience, Respect and Resistance; Being the Church in Uncertain Times"

Three part adult education series at Fourth Presbyterian Church in downtown Chicago. Conducted by members of the parish clergy.
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Clean Slate Illinois

Clean Slate Illinois is working to make record clearance automatic: when a person becomes eligible for relief, their record gets cleared. That means no lengthy process, no paying an attorney, no court appearance. (https://www.cleanslateillinois.org/)
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Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI)
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