Community Renewal Society

Community Renewal Society (CRS) works to combat social, economic, and racial injustice by bringing people of faith and congregations together, in partnership with communities, coalitions, interfaith organizations, and civic leaders, to intentionally and decisively transform society toward greater social justice at the intersection of racism and poverty. 

Mission and Vision

This year for Give 828, donations to our online giving campaign will support our LGBTQIA+ Faith, Race and Equity. As one of our five platforms, Community Renewal Society works to increase shared vision of the Beloved Community, commitment to justice, equity, inclusion, healing and advocacy in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ communities. 

LGBTQIA+ PLATFORM

In 2021, Community Renewal Society took a bold step forward by establishing the LGBTQIA+ Faith, Race and Equity Issue Area and inaugurating the Bayard Rustin Fellowship. To commemorate this commitment, we introduced Bayard's Brigade, an initiative designed to acknowledge the efforts of our inclusive member congregations and to facilitate connections between the residents of the Chicago area and these welcoming faith communities.

BAYARDS BRIGADE

CRS recognizes the importance of working in the LGBTQIA+ space and addressing issues of intersectionality. This recognition is part of a broader shift in the field of social justice, which has increasingly acknowledged the importance of considering multiple intersecting forms of identity and oppression. 

LGBTQIA+ BLOG ARTICLES

Every month, CRS hosts a virtual Issue Team meeting with our Bayard Rustin Fellow, Kwyn Townsend Riley. These meetings are placed to discuss issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community, challenge each other to step outside of our comfort zones and engage in activities that promote inclusivity and understanding. 

Join our LGBTQIA+ Issue Team