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 Events

Indivisible May Day Strong Event: May 1
They will be taking collective action of noncooperation by withholding labor, money and participation.

We Move This Country – May Day Rally: May 1 at 10 a.m.
Workers across industries rise together in solidarity with one message: respect, fairness, and power for the working class. Join together at Roosevelt Road and Beloit Ave in Forest Park for the May Day Rally. Register here.

CROP Hunger Walk: Sunday, May 3, at 1 p.m.
Pilgrim Congregational Church (460 Lake St, Oak Park, IL)
Join fellow Oak Parkers for the 43rd annual CROP Hunger Walk. The walk empowers local and global communities, providing pathways to safety and self-sustainability. Register here.

Advocacy 101: How Community Action Shapes State Policy Sunday, May 3, at 6 p.m. 
Robert’s Westside (7321 Madison St., Forest Park, IL 60130)
You’re invited to Housing Forward’s next community event. They’ll explore recent and upcoming state policy changes and how individuals and communities can advocate for impactful change. Panelists will also examine Governor Pritzker’s proposed budget, highlight key legislation they’re watching, and share tangible actions community members can take right now to protect and strengthen human services. The event will include a discussion moderated by Lynda Schueler followed by a Q&A with audience members. Register here.

RIFL Act Advocacy Day: May 8
Join us, Ride with Us, Hold Hands with us in Springfield, Illinois, May 8th for The RIFL Act (HB3320/SB2279) Advocacy Day! This landmark legislation aligns the financial interest of gun manufacturers with prevention. Passage of The RIFL Act means Illinois will become the first state to implement cost-sharing for the gun manufacturing industry for the public costs their products generate. All while providing additional financial resources to survivors and community violence intervention efforts that are reducing gun violence across the country. For more information, and to register, click the link below. Register here.

Other Resources

Video from the Rally
Click Here
Global Refuge

When you sign the Global Refuge Solidarity Pledge, you become part of a nationwide movement that honors the inherent dignity of all people and makes an active commitment to welcoming refugees and other immigrants in their communities.
Sign the Pledge
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