Media Releases
New Report From Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago
Captures Experiences and Challenges of Local Faith Communities
MEDIA CONTACT
NISAN CHAVKIN
[email protected]
847.722.6921
WWW.CRLMC.ORG
Chicago, IL (October 29, 2020) – Despite differences in size, budget, location, and tradition, Chicago area religious congregations are grappling with many of the same challenges as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
That’s one of the key findings from the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago’s newly released report, Religious Congregations Respond during COVID-19. The report is based on responses from more than 120 congregations in Northern Illinois, representing 24 different faith traditions, to a survey conducted in July and August.
“This is the first survey of which we are aware that assesses a broad range of faith traditions,” said Council President Barbara Abrajano. “This report gives policymakers and funders critical direction for how to help congregations get through this crisis.”
Among the report’s key findings:
The Report and Executive Summary are at: https://www.crlmc.org/covid19impactrpt.html .
The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago (www.crlmc.org) is comprised of the head religious leadership of practically every major religious tradition in the broader Chicago area, representing nearly six million people. The Council is dedicated to building networks of friendship and respect among the faith communities of Chicago. The Council speaks with a unified moral voice on issues of the day; creates a climate of better interfaith understanding and cooperation; and participates in programs which advance its work.
NISAN CHAVKIN
[email protected]
847.722.6921
WWW.CRLMC.ORG
Chicago, IL (October 29, 2020) – Despite differences in size, budget, location, and tradition, Chicago area religious congregations are grappling with many of the same challenges as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
That’s one of the key findings from the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago’s newly released report, Religious Congregations Respond during COVID-19. The report is based on responses from more than 120 congregations in Northern Illinois, representing 24 different faith traditions, to a survey conducted in July and August.
“This is the first survey of which we are aware that assesses a broad range of faith traditions,” said Council President Barbara Abrajano. “This report gives policymakers and funders critical direction for how to help congregations get through this crisis.”
Among the report’s key findings:
- In-person routines have given way to myriad other ways to enact the rituals of fellowship and worship, mourning, and celebration.
- Some congregations are finding new benefits to regular telephone calls, more frequent contact, and more attention to those most in need of companionship and safety.
- Congregations have revamped arrangements for providing material support, and food in particular, for service activities.
- Financial supports have become more uncertain. While some income loss is partially offset with fewer in-person activities and associated costs, 40% of respondents express concern (from slight to extreme) that they may not be in operation at all within 12 months.
The Report and Executive Summary are at: https://www.crlmc.org/covid19impactrpt.html .
The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago (www.crlmc.org) is comprised of the head religious leadership of practically every major religious tradition in the broader Chicago area, representing nearly six million people. The Council is dedicated to building networks of friendship and respect among the faith communities of Chicago. The Council speaks with a unified moral voice on issues of the day; creates a climate of better interfaith understanding and cooperation; and participates in programs which advance its work.
Council Introduces Framework for Reopening Illinois Places of Worship
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: 847.722.6921
WWW.CRLMC.ORG
June 12, 2020 | Chicago, IL – The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago has introduced the Framework for Reopening Illinois Places of Worship, a new resource for faith communities across Illinois whose operations have been disrupted by COVID-19.
Congregational life was upended across Illinois due to the pandemic. In-person worship, education, pastoral care, and even life cycle events were suspended. Service work was curtailed or cancelled. As a result, many congregations are facing real financial stress.
“People of every faith are looking forward to returning to their places of worship,” said Council President Barbara Abrajano. “The Framework for Reopening Illinois Places of Worship offers help to congregations preparing to reopen as well as best practices to protect their members and the general public.”
The Framework is available at https://www.crlmc.org/covid19reopening.html along with as specific plans prepared by members of the Council.
The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago (www.crlmc.org) is comprised of the head religious leadership of practically every major religious tradition in the broader Chicago area, representing nearly six million people. The Council is dedicated to building networks of friendship and respect among the faith communities of Chicago. The Council speaks with a unified moral voice on issues of the day; creates a climate of better interfaith understanding and cooperation; and participates in programs which advance its work.
-30-
CONTACT: 847.722.6921
WWW.CRLMC.ORG
June 12, 2020 | Chicago, IL – The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago has introduced the Framework for Reopening Illinois Places of Worship, a new resource for faith communities across Illinois whose operations have been disrupted by COVID-19.
Congregational life was upended across Illinois due to the pandemic. In-person worship, education, pastoral care, and even life cycle events were suspended. Service work was curtailed or cancelled. As a result, many congregations are facing real financial stress.
“People of every faith are looking forward to returning to their places of worship,” said Council President Barbara Abrajano. “The Framework for Reopening Illinois Places of Worship offers help to congregations preparing to reopen as well as best practices to protect their members and the general public.”
The Framework is available at https://www.crlmc.org/covid19reopening.html along with as specific plans prepared by members of the Council.
The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago (www.crlmc.org) is comprised of the head religious leadership of practically every major religious tradition in the broader Chicago area, representing nearly six million people. The Council is dedicated to building networks of friendship and respect among the faith communities of Chicago. The Council speaks with a unified moral voice on issues of the day; creates a climate of better interfaith understanding and cooperation; and participates in programs which advance its work.
-30-
Council Offers Guidance for Area Clergy in Preparation for Van Dyke Verdict
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: 773.595.4012
WWW.CRLMC.ORG
September 26, 2018 | Chicago, IL – Today the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago released guidelines for use by area clergy in preparing for nonviolent responses to the verdict in the trial of Jason Van Dyke. These guidelines for area clergy emphasize common-sense strategies that many congregations have already put into effect. The goal is to make this a united effort across the city.
The guidelines ask congregations to keep their doors open as places to meet following the verdict; to renew lines of emergency communication with the Chicago Police Department; to dispel and counter rumors; and to speak unequivocally against violent responses to the verdict.
“Members of the Council share the concerns of Chicagoans for justice and nonviolence, whatever the verdict in this case,” said Council President the Rev. Dr. B. Herbert Martin, Sr. “Human life is sacred in every religious tradition. We remind those who are tempted by the choice of violence that they are endangering the community and they are responsible for the consequences of their actions.”
“We support Tina Hunter, the mother of Laquan McDonald, who has called for nonviolence,” said Martin. The Council, which represents more than 30 religious traditions across the region, is asking all clergy within its networks as well as across the City of Chicago to join together. “Religious leaders are in a unique position to speak against violence and to support a message of life and hope.”
-30-
CONTACT: 773.595.4012
WWW.CRLMC.ORG
September 26, 2018 | Chicago, IL – Today the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago released guidelines for use by area clergy in preparing for nonviolent responses to the verdict in the trial of Jason Van Dyke. These guidelines for area clergy emphasize common-sense strategies that many congregations have already put into effect. The goal is to make this a united effort across the city.
The guidelines ask congregations to keep their doors open as places to meet following the verdict; to renew lines of emergency communication with the Chicago Police Department; to dispel and counter rumors; and to speak unequivocally against violent responses to the verdict.
“Members of the Council share the concerns of Chicagoans for justice and nonviolence, whatever the verdict in this case,” said Council President the Rev. Dr. B. Herbert Martin, Sr. “Human life is sacred in every religious tradition. We remind those who are tempted by the choice of violence that they are endangering the community and they are responsible for the consequences of their actions.”
“We support Tina Hunter, the mother of Laquan McDonald, who has called for nonviolence,” said Martin. The Council, which represents more than 30 religious traditions across the region, is asking all clergy within its networks as well as across the City of Chicago to join together. “Religious leaders are in a unique position to speak against violence and to support a message of life and hope.”
-30-
Press Conference on Call to Prayer Against Victims of Gun Violence
-30-WHEN: Thursday, February 14, 2013
10:30 AM
WHERE: First United Methodist Church at The Chicago Temple
77 West Washington Street, Chicago
James Parlor (2nd Floor)
As religious leaders we share the deep concern and sadness of all those who grieve over the extraordinary gun violence that has permeated our communities, our schools and even our houses of worship
This coming weekend, Friday, February 15, 2013 through Sunday, February 17, 2013, the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago is calling on all faith communities as they gather for worship to join in special prayer for the victims of gun violence and their families. We are asking all religious gatherings to remember the many lives lost due to senseless acts of violence and to pray for their families whose pain never ends. May their prayers also seek guidance in the ways in which together and as one, we may act to eliminate this scourge from our land.
To announce this effort, the Council will hold a Press Conference tomorrow, Thursday, February 14, 2013, at 10:300 AM at Chicago Temple First United Methodist Church, 77 West Washington Street, Chicago. Mayor Emanuel has been invited to attend and bring brief remarks.
-30-
10:30 AM
WHERE: First United Methodist Church at The Chicago Temple
77 West Washington Street, Chicago
James Parlor (2nd Floor)
As religious leaders we share the deep concern and sadness of all those who grieve over the extraordinary gun violence that has permeated our communities, our schools and even our houses of worship
This coming weekend, Friday, February 15, 2013 through Sunday, February 17, 2013, the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago is calling on all faith communities as they gather for worship to join in special prayer for the victims of gun violence and their families. We are asking all religious gatherings to remember the many lives lost due to senseless acts of violence and to pray for their families whose pain never ends. May their prayers also seek guidance in the ways in which together and as one, we may act to eliminate this scourge from our land.
To announce this effort, the Council will hold a Press Conference tomorrow, Thursday, February 14, 2013, at 10:300 AM at Chicago Temple First United Methodist Church, 77 West Washington Street, Chicago. Mayor Emanuel has been invited to attend and bring brief remarks.
-30-
New President of the CRLMC
Chicago, IL, January 25, 2012. The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago (CRLMC) has unanimously elected the Very Reverend Donald Senior, C.P., as the new Council President for the years 2012 and 2013.
