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.

Upcoming Event

Service of Lament for ICE Victims
Sunday, March 8, 5 p.m. at Irving Park Lutheran Church, Chicago
Followed by conversations, sharing & solidary led by Irving Park Public Faith
The 30-minute service includes bilingual scripture readings, contemplative music accompanied by violin, times of silence, and brief testimonies from people directly affected by ICE. After lighting candles in remembrance of people killed by ICE, join in petitionary prayer and song by candlelight. (NOTE: The service will not be live streamed.) The evening continues in the fellowship hall for guided conversation and possibilities for action, led by Irving Park Public Faith.

Other Resources

ELCA Advocacy

“‍As members of the ELCA, we believe that we are freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. God uses our hands, through our direct service work and our voices, through our advocacy efforts, to restore and reconcile our world. Through faithful advocacy, the ELCA lives out our Lutheran belief that governments can help advance the common good.”
Website
Responsibility in Firearms Legislation
Learn More
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… “
Read more
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
“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