The Anti-Racism Task Force (ARTF) of Northern Illinois is continuing its advocacy work for justice and equity through our connection with the conference and the denomination.

We encourage members and our local congregations to stay informed, connected and engaged.

In April/May of 2023, under the leadership of Pastor Toni Lucas of Albany UMC, thirty-seven members from 25 churches went on a Civil Rights Pilgrimage to TN (Franklin and Memphis) and AL (Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma). On April 18, 2024, we held our first lobby day in Springfield, IL and met in small groups with our local representatives – not so much as to tell them how to legislate, but to engage legislators in conversation about our values: that racism in all its forms is incompatible with Christianity; that as Christians we have a duty to welcome the stranger and help one another whether it is with food, housing, shelter, or education; and that we expect our elected leaders to consider those values when they are making legislative decisions.

We are continuing this work under the leadership of Lisa Rogers (Elmhurst: First), Chair of the ARTF Advocacy Partners. Our current project is  Vote With Grace Over Greed. If you are interested in learning more about the United Methodist Church and its mission for social justice, please visit UMC Advocating For Justice.
 

A lively discussion at the discussion event with Braver Angels in Berwin.

The Anti-racism Advocacy Partners collaborated with Braver Angels on hosting an Information Social on Thurs., Aug. 1 at Friendly’s Tap in Berwyn. It was a great success! Braver Angels’ focus is to engage and train folks to talk across the political divide and other divisive topics, and it works! The next social will be held on Thurs., Aug. 29 in Rockford. Click here for details and to register. If you’re wondering why Advocacy Partners believes this work is important in doing anti-racism work and loving our neighbor, watch this video.

In October, the Advocacy Partners are partnering with various non-profit, faith-based, academic institutions and community partners, to provide multiple showings of the movie Origin. Origin, produced by Ava DuVernay, based on Isabel Wilkerson's book, Caste: the Origins of our Discontents, will be showing at multiple locations around the Chicagoland area and downstate Illinois.  Origin explores the mystery of history, the wonders of romance, and a fight for our future. While investigating the global phenomenon of caste and its dark influence on society, a journalist faces unfathomable personal loss and uncovers the beauty of human resilience. Watch the trailer. Attendance is free but registration is required to attend. Click here for more information.

Stay tuned about our advocacy and legislative work as we prepare for another Lobby Day in 2025.