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.
CWS March Recess Advocacy Guide and Template Materials-
Lawndale Christian Legal Center Celebration Event: April 27
Please join us for the grand opening of the Dr. Dennis Deer Community Justice Center and our 15 year anniversary. We will hold an outdoor interfaith service followed by food trucks, tours, entertainment, and games. Come for some or all of the day and celebrate this joyous occasion with us!
If you are able, please consider purchasing a ticket so we can keep this event open to all.
More Information -
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)
Sign Up Here -
Video from Unity Temple’s Reimagining Justice panel discussion
This 90-minute video is divided into 5 parts featuring discussions from Dr. Mary Yeboah (educational leader, restorative justice practitioner, and founder of Create Proximity), Clifford M. Nellis, J.D. (founder of Lawndale Christian Legal Center), Michael Tafolla (independent trainer, facilitator, and consultant in trauma-informed and restorative practices), and Keith “Aquil” Talley (Prisoner Solidarity Program Specialist). This video features five parts which can be viewed independently.
Video Link -
Lawndale Christian Legal Center
Their most immediate need is for us to mobilize awareness of the “Community Based Corrections Act bill” HB0044/SB0237 that currently needs to get out of committee and up for a hearing.
Learn More -
“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.
View the Video -
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/)
Learn More -
Congregations Networking for Social Justice
Click the link below for their current newsletter.
February/March 2025 -
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI)
Click the button to learn more about how to support them.
Call to Action
