Finding Common Ground in a Polarized Era
A Next Generation Interfaith Forum
Thursday, December 5, 2024 | 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Chatolic Theological Union | 5416 S Cornell Ave, Chicago
Chatolic Theological Union | 5416 S Cornell Ave, Chicago
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On December 5, CRLMC will conduct Finding Common Ground in a Polarized Era, a half-day forum designed to explore the nature of polarization and identify strategies for finding common ground--within faith communities, between faith communities, and on issues confronting people of faith in the public sphere. The program will take place at the Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park.
The forum is open to all emerging faith leaders in Chicago and the Metropolitan area Metropolitan Chicago, age 45 and under, who are serving in leadership roles in their religious community and are committed to interfaith understanding, respect, and cooperation. Emerging leaders will be joined by members of the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago. Breakfast, lunch, and parking will be provided at no cost to all participants. A registration deposit of $25 is required but will be refunded to all registrants who attend the program. Register today! |
Scan Here to Register for the December 5 Forum
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CRLMC Condemns Shooting in West Rogers Park
October 31, 2024 -- Chicago, Illinois | We, the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago, condemn the unprovoked shooting of an unarmed Jew walking to worship at his synagogue this past Saturday morning in Chicago's West Rogers Park neighborhood. We are relieved that the victim is recuperating and grateful to the Chicago Police Department for apprehending the alleged assailant and charging him with hate crimes. We pray for the victim and his family, and we stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters and everyone in West Rogers Park in the wake of this violence.
The targeting of any persons solely because of their religious affiliation constitutes an assault on every faith community. Religious freedom is a core value of our society. Such attacks are an offense against the principles of our country and the sanctity of our humanity.
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The targeting of any persons solely because of their religious affiliation constitutes an assault on every faith community. Religious freedom is a core value of our society. Such attacks are an offense against the principles of our country and the sanctity of our humanity.
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CRLMC Celebrates 40 Years
CRLMC Condemns Attack on Muslim Community Center
September 9, 2024 -- Chicago, Illinois | Following the Labor Day weekend, bullet holes were discovered in the building of the Muslim Community Center in Chicago. We, the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago, condemn this heinous assault. We are grateful that no one was injured in these attacks. We stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters and call upon all persons of goodwill in our community to denounce such acts of intimidation and violence.
Bullet holes riddling the building of any place of worship is an attack on every faith community. Violence against faith institutions and their communities cannot be condoned or dismissed. The places where we share our faith make up the true health, heart, and soul of our city. Such attacks are an offense against the sanctity of our mutual humanity.
Bullet holes riddling the building of any place of worship is an attack on every faith community. Violence against faith institutions and their communities cannot be condoned or dismissed. The places where we share our faith make up the true health, heart, and soul of our city. Such attacks are an offense against the sanctity of our mutual humanity.
CRLMC Celebrates 40th Anniversary at September 27 Breakfast
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On Friday, September 27, the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago will host its 40th Anniversary Breakfast at the Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue. CRLMC organization began in 1984 when Joseph Cardinal Bernardin invited a small group of local religious leaders to discuss how to bring the moral voice of the interreligious community to bear upon the challenges and opportunities facing Chicago and the region.
At the breakfast, CRLMC will recognize four illustrious honorees: The Obama Foundation will receive the CRLMC Founders Award for the My Brother's Keeper Alliance. Mr. Jerry Reinsdorf, Chairman of the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Bulls, will receive the CRLMC Community Excellence Award. Ms. Barbara J. Abrajano, Immediate Past CRLMC President, will receive the CRLMC President's Award. Mr. Ravindra G. Baichwal, Co-Anchor of ABC7 weekday afternoon and evening newscasts, will receive the CRLMC Excellence in Media Award. The 40th Anniversary Breakfast also will highlight CRLMC's achievements, current activities, and vision for the future. For tickets or more information, click, scan, or contact CRLMC. 
Scan here for tickets and sponsor information for the CRLMC 40th Anniversary Breakfast
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2025 InterFaith Calendar Now Available!
September 1, 12024 |CRLMC's award-winning InterFaith Calendar is now available for 2025. Developed in cooperation with 17 religious communities, the calendar features dates and explanations of observances for each faith tradition as well as information about their basic beliefs, practices, religious writings, and demographics--all illustrated with art and sacred imagery contributed by each religious community. The 2025 calendar is available at the special rate of only $14.95 before December 1. Order yours today!
CRLMC Condemns Vandalism of Beverly Unitarian Church
June 14, 2024 -- Chicago, Illinois | We, the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago, condemn the vandalism of Beverly Unitarian Church on the night of June 9. We stand with the Unitarian community and call upon all persons of goodwill in our community to denounce such acts of hate.
Vandalism and violence against faith institutions and their communities cannot be condoned or dismissed. The places where we share our faith make up the true health, heart, and soul of our city. Such attacks are an offense against the sanctity of our mutual humanity.
We must respect and watch over each other.
Vandalism and violence against faith institutions and their communities cannot be condoned or dismissed. The places where we share our faith make up the true health, heart, and soul of our city. Such attacks are an offense against the sanctity of our mutual humanity.
We must respect and watch over each other.
CRLMC Condemns Attack on Downtown Islamic Center
March 19, 2024 -- Chicago, Illinois | We, the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago, condemn the attack on the Downtown Islamic Center on Sunday night. We stand with the Muslim community and call upon all persons of goodwill in our community to denounce such acts of hate.
We denounce intimidation and incitement to violence against anyone in our community because of their faith. We must respect and watch over each other.
The places in our neighborhoods where we share our faith make up the true health, heart, and soul of our city. The disturbance, destruction, and desecration of these places, and any attacks on those who gather there, are an offense against the sanctity of our mutual humanity.
We denounce intimidation and incitement to violence against anyone in our community because of their faith. We must respect and watch over each other.
The places in our neighborhoods where we share our faith make up the true health, heart, and soul of our city. The disturbance, destruction, and desecration of these places, and any attacks on those who gather there, are an offense against the sanctity of our mutual humanity.
CRLMC 2023 Year in Review
CRLMC Condemns Vandalism at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
December 14, 2023--Chicago | The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago condemns the vandalism at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral and other Ukrainian institutions this week. Vandalism and violence against faith institutions or faith communities cannot be condoned or dismissed.
Our Council is comprised of the head religious leadership of every major religious tradition in the broader Chicago area. While we hold profoundly different beliefs on fundamental matters, we agree on a wide set of binding values and moral standards.
We denounce intimidation and incitement to violence against people in our community because of their religious, ethnic, or racial heritage. We must accord others the same respect we expect for ourselves.
In this difficult moment, we must respect and watch over each other.
Our Council is comprised of the head religious leadership of every major religious tradition in the broader Chicago area. While we hold profoundly different beliefs on fundamental matters, we agree on a wide set of binding values and moral standards.
We denounce intimidation and incitement to violence against people in our community because of their religious, ethnic, or racial heritage. We must accord others the same respect we expect for ourselves.
In this difficult moment, we must respect and watch over each other.
2024 CRLMC InterFaith Calendar
Celebrate Interreligious Understanding Every Day!
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The 2024 InterFaith Calendar is now available! This award-winning 14" x 22" full-color, twelve-month wall calendar is developed each year by Council in cooperation with 17 religious communities.
The 2024 InterFaith Calendar features dates and explanations of observances as well as information about basic beliefs, practices, religious writings, and demographics for each faith tradition. It is illustrated with art and sacred imagery from each religious community. It's a great tool for promoting interreligious understanding and respect every day of the year. The 2024 InterFaith Calendar is just $19.95. Orders of 10 or more are $14.00 each plus shipping. Order online or submit your payment with this form. Place your order today and celebrate interreligious understanding throughout 2024! |
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Order the 2024 InterFaith Calendar
CRLMC Condemns the Murder of Wadea Al-Fayoume
October 17, 2023 | Chicago—The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago condemns the horrific murder of 6-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume and the brutal attack against his mother Hanaan Shahin in Plainfield on Saturday. We mourn for this child. We pray for his mother's recovery and for the welfare of his family.
These innocent people were stabbed repeatedly by their assailant simply because they were Muslim. This vile crime of hate is indefensible. It violates the common values and moral standards of every faith tradition on our Council. We stand with our brothers and sisters in the Muslim community.
Our faith traditions teach us that everyone possesses inalienable value and dignity. We pray that all of us remember this sacred principle. In this difficult moment, we must respect and watch over each other.
These innocent people were stabbed repeatedly by their assailant simply because they were Muslim. This vile crime of hate is indefensible. It violates the common values and moral standards of every faith tradition on our Council. We stand with our brothers and sisters in the Muslim community.
Our faith traditions teach us that everyone possesses inalienable value and dignity. We pray that all of us remember this sacred principle. In this difficult moment, we must respect and watch over each other.
Faith & Trust 2023-2024 Cohort
Applications for Future Interfaith Leadership Program Due October 31
October 1, 2023 | Chicago--CRLMC is now accepting applications from emerging faith leaders up to age 45 to participate in the Faith & Trust 2023-2024 Future Interfaith Leadership Cohort to foster interfaith cooperation and build civic connection among the next generation. The cohort will meet for monthly half-day seminars in order to to foster interfaith relationships and collaboration through dialogue; meet with CRLMC faith leaders and public officials to explore issues of community concern; and select a common focus issue for study and action. Additional program details are available here.
Eligible applicants are age 45 or younger and hold formal leadership roles in the metropolitan area. Participants who complete the program will receive a $500 stipend. The application deadline is October 31.
Eligible applicants are age 45 or younger and hold formal leadership roles in the metropolitan area. Participants who complete the program will receive a $500 stipend. The application deadline is October 31.
CRLMC Welcomes 2023 Convening of the Parliament of the World's Religions
"No single community of faith working alone can resolve the challenges that all of us face. If we stand together for what we all believe, then our diversity is our greatest strength. We show people that there is another, better way."
August 14, 2023 | Chicago -- Below are the remarks of CRLMC President Barbara Abrajano at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Convening of the Parliament of the World's Religions.
Honored teachers, distinguished faith leaders, local and international guests: On behalf of the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago, I welcome you to our city and to this extraordinary Convening of the Parliament of the World's Religions. It is good to have you here in Chicago, the birthplace of this Parliament. Our Council was founded so that Chicago could hear the voices of its many and diverse faith communities united in speaking to the critical issues we all face. Our work is a direct continuation of the work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. more
Honored teachers, distinguished faith leaders, local and international guests: On behalf of the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago, I welcome you to our city and to this extraordinary Convening of the Parliament of the World's Religions. It is good to have you here in Chicago, the birthplace of this Parliament. Our Council was founded so that Chicago could hear the voices of its many and diverse faith communities united in speaking to the critical issues we all face. Our work is a direct continuation of the work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. more
August 8, 2023 | Chicago -- The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago is pleased to welcome the thousands of local and international participants to the 2023 Convening of the Parliament of the World's Religions which will take place August 14-18, at McCormick Place in Chicago.
The Parliament at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition was the birthplace of the modern interfaith movement, and CRLMC is proud to mark the 130th anniversary of that historic event here in Chicago. Here is a listing of Convening plenaries, activities, workshops, and sessions which feature members of the Council.
The Parliament at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition was the birthplace of the modern interfaith movement, and CRLMC is proud to mark the 130th anniversary of that historic event here in Chicago. Here is a listing of Convening plenaries, activities, workshops, and sessions which feature members of the Council.
CRLMC Celebrates Juneteenth Day
June 19, 2023 | Chicago -- The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago calls on everyone in our community to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth Day.
Justice is a fundamental and essential element of society which obliges respect for rights and responsibilities in all circumstances. People of faith are called to speak for the rights of others, to remind fellow citizens of their responsibilities to the community, and to remind society of its obligation to foster the conditions needed to ensure freedom and equality for all persons.
Juneteenth commemorates the end of the horrific institution of slavery in our country and the freedom of African Americans. It also marks our commitment as a nation to the eradication of racism and to equal protection of the laws.
While our different religious communities understand ultimate reality in diverse ways, we all agree that all people are interconnected. When one suffers, we all suffer. When one rejoices, we all rejoice. We welcome everyone in our community to embrace Juneteenth's universal message of freedom and equality.
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The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago (CRLMC) promotes cooperation, understanding, and collaboration among the faith communities of Chicago to advance the common good. A nonprofit organization founded in 1984, CRLMC is comprised of the head religious leadership of practically every major religious tradition in the broader Chicago area.
Justice is a fundamental and essential element of society which obliges respect for rights and responsibilities in all circumstances. People of faith are called to speak for the rights of others, to remind fellow citizens of their responsibilities to the community, and to remind society of its obligation to foster the conditions needed to ensure freedom and equality for all persons.
Juneteenth commemorates the end of the horrific institution of slavery in our country and the freedom of African Americans. It also marks our commitment as a nation to the eradication of racism and to equal protection of the laws.
While our different religious communities understand ultimate reality in diverse ways, we all agree that all people are interconnected. When one suffers, we all suffer. When one rejoices, we all rejoice. We welcome everyone in our community to embrace Juneteenth's universal message of freedom and equality.
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The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago (CRLMC) promotes cooperation, understanding, and collaboration among the faith communities of Chicago to advance the common good. A nonprofit organization founded in 1984, CRLMC is comprised of the head religious leadership of practically every major religious tradition in the broader Chicago area.
January 5, 2023 | Chicago --The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago strongly endorses the Protect Illinois Communities Act. We call for its immediate passage by the Illinois General Assembly and for Governor Pritzker to sign it into law.
In every religious tradition, human life is sacred. For decades, we have grieved for those murdered with assault weapons and prayed for those who survived such attacks. These weapons of war are designed solely to kill human beings. Based on the common values and moral standards which unite our Council, we have concluded that there is no place for them in our communities.
We endorse the provisions of the Protect Illinois Communities Act. It will ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines and remove firearms from dangerous persons. While these steps are only part of a comprehensive response to gun violence, they are fundamental to any solution.
We therefore call on the Illinois General Assembly to pass the Protect Illinois Communities Act and for Governor Pritzker to sign it into law. The time to act is now.
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The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago (CRLMC) promotes cooperation, understanding, and collaboration among the faith communities of Chicago to advance the common good. A nonprofit organization founded in 1984, CRLMC is comprised of the head religious leadership of practically every major religious tradition in the broader Chicago area.
In every religious tradition, human life is sacred. For decades, we have grieved for those murdered with assault weapons and prayed for those who survived such attacks. These weapons of war are designed solely to kill human beings. Based on the common values and moral standards which unite our Council, we have concluded that there is no place for them in our communities.
We endorse the provisions of the Protect Illinois Communities Act. It will ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines and remove firearms from dangerous persons. While these steps are only part of a comprehensive response to gun violence, they are fundamental to any solution.
We therefore call on the Illinois General Assembly to pass the Protect Illinois Communities Act and for Governor Pritzker to sign it into law. The time to act is now.
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The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago (CRLMC) promotes cooperation, understanding, and collaboration among the faith communities of Chicago to advance the common good. A nonprofit organization founded in 1984, CRLMC is comprised of the head religious leadership of practically every major religious tradition in the broader Chicago area.
