Christ UMC, Rockford, Endures Sanctuary Fire
Christ United Methodist Church in Rockford suffered a fire on Monday night, Feb. 23, that started in its organ. Thanks to the fast response of the few in the building at the time, d…
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.
Commission on Religion and Race
The CCORR, 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.
Ongoing Opportunities
The Champion Team
This group is made up of people who work on Anti-Racism committees and extend the work into congregations. For more information, contact the Anti Racism group.
Sister Churches
The CCOR's Immigration Subcommittee arranges formal partnerships between two congregations—often from different regions, cultures, or countries—committing to prayer, communication, leadership exchange, and collaborative ministry projects.
A sister church partnership centers on unity, mutual encouragement, and shared mission. This may include joint worship services (virtual or in-person), youth exchanges, shared outreach initiatives, and financial or technical support when needed. Through the help of people experienced in building a vibrant sister church relationship, the process will begin with intentional relationship-building: leadership teams establish shared values and goals, define clear expectations, create regular communication rhythms, and identify practical projects that benefit both communities. Over time, the partnership grows through trust, cultural humility, reciprocity, and consistent evaluation, ensuring the relationship remains life-giving and mission-focused for both churches.
A sister church program is built on the belief that the global body of Christ is stronger when congregations intentionally walk together in relationship rather than serving in isolation.
To learn more, contact Lisa Rogers.
Other Initiatives
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Becoming the Beloved Community Workshop on how to talk about racism in America and in your church.
- 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 Pilgrimage, 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.
- 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. (
- NIC Presents Series events that enlighten and challenge participants through speakers, film, arts, and culture.
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.