NIC’s Lobby Day uses lessons of the past to change the present
Early in the morning of 18 April 2024, 22 members of the Northern Illinois Conference Anti-Racism Task Force, many of whom had participated in last year’s Civil…
Racial Justice
The Northern Illinois Conference has declared that racism is inconsistent with Christian teaching. Committed to that conviction, the conference promotes racial justice, equity, and inclusion through the Anti-Racism Task Force, the Learning Path, racial and ethnic fellowships and ministries, and the Northern Illinois Commission on Religion and Race.
Anti-Racism Task Force
The task force creates and supports opportunities for Northern Illinois United Methodists to confront and resist racism. Among its initiatives:
- Becoming the Beloved Community Workshop on how to talk about racism in American and in your church. Learn more.
- Discipleship and Anti-Racism for Youth (DAY), which helps youth leaders shape a justice generation. (Dates to be announced when scheduled.)
- Cultural tours, such as the Civil-Rights Pilgimage offered in 2023
- The Ephesus Project: Churches Together, which brings together churches (often of different racial/ethic makeup) through pulpit and church exchanges to build partnerships for fellowship and justice advocacy. Download information here.
- Clergy Peer Reflection and Engagement Series (CPRES), where clergy can learn together and support each other as they confront racism and advocate for racial justice. (Dates to be announced when scheduled.)
- NIC Presents Series events that take place quarterly and lead participants in learning and action.
- The Champion Team, made up of people who work on ARTF committees and extend the work into congregations. For more information, contact the ARTF.
Learning Path
The plan provides abundant resources to deepen knowledge on race and anti-racism, plus plans of guided study for individuals and groups. Download the document.
NIC Ethnic and Racial Fellowships and Ministries
- Chicago Black Methodists for Church Renewal
- Asian-American Fellowship
- Committee on Native American Ministries
- Hispanic/Latinx Ministry Team
- United Methodist Racial-Ethnic Clergywomen's Alliance
NIC Commission on Religion and Race
The CCRR, with the assistance of The United Methodist Church's General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR), tracks the racial “health” of the Northern Illinois Conference, its churches, and its ministries. It forms connections to other groups working on advocating for racial justice, and provides guidance on concerns such as cross-cultural/cross-racial appointments of clergy. GCORR offers many resources for promoting interracial understanding, advocating for racial justice, and learning resources for groups and individuals.