Five opportunities for civic engagement in 2024

As the new year approaches, we present opportunities for the church to reach the culture in 2024.

Dec 29, 2023

As we stand on the threshold of 2024, a year teeming with promise and complexities, it is increasingly evident that the church in Chicago must play a pivotal and active role in the civic sphere of our city. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus called His followers to be “salt and light” in the world (Matthew 5:13-16), a mandate that extends profoundly into our civic and political engagements. This call is not merely symbolic; it is a directive for tangible, transformative influence in our communities.

In the bustling, diverse landscape of Chicago, the church's unique voice is indispensable. We bring to the public square a perspective grounded in faith and a commitment to justice, peace, and the common good. Our role transcends mere observation or passive commentary; it is about active participation in the intricate tapestry of our city's life.

No other entity can replicate the church's distinct capacities for community, engagement, and mobilization. Our congregations are more than just gatherings; they are networks of care, sources of wisdom, and hubs of action. We are communities that can reach across divides, bringing diverse people together for the sake of a higher purpose. In our unity, we find strength; in our diversity, we find richness.

As we engage in the civic and political realms, we do so not as partisans, but as ambassadors of Christ's kingdom. Our advocacy, our service, and our presence in these spaces are reflections of our deeper commitment to living out the Gospel. We strive to embody Christ's teachings, offering a vision of society where love, justice, and mercy are not just ideals, but lived realities.

2024 will be a year for us to redouble our commitment to being salt and light in Chicago. Here are five major opportunities for the church to engage with the city around us with the hope, courage, and love that comes from our faith, seeking to make a tangible difference in the civic life of our beloved Chicago.

1. School Board Elections: A New Era in Educational Stewardship

In 2024, Chicago will witness a historical moment – the first elections for the Chicago Public Schools' board. This transition from a mayoral-appointed board to an elected one marks not just a change in governance but a profound opportunity for communal discernment. As people of faith, we are called to shepherd this process with wisdom and integrity, guiding potential candidates and voters alike. The church's role transcends partisan lines, focusing instead on advocating for justice, equity, and quality in our education system. Let us seek divine guidance in nurturing leaders who embody these values, ensuring that every child in our city has access to the education they deserve.

2. Democratic National Convention: Navigating Political Waters with Grace

The arrival of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago is a significant event that calls for the church's balanced and prayerful presence. We are reminded of the Biblical exhortation to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2), irrespective of political affiliations. Our role is to foster a spirit of peace and understanding, to engage in dialogue that bridges divides rather than deepens them. As the eyes of the nation turn to our city, let us model Christ's love, advocating for policies that uphold the dignity and welfare of all people, while standing firm against any forms of violence or injustice.

3. The Ongoing Migrant Crisis: Embodying Compassionate Response

The persistent migrant crisis, exacerbated by political maneuvers, places before us a test of our commitment to the Gospel's call to love our neighbor. The church must rise above political rhetoric to address the human needs at the heart of this crisis. Our response should be twofold – advocating for policies that bring us closer to the end of this crisis while providing practical support and refuge to the human souls already in our midst. In doing so, we echo the Good Samaritan's actions, transcending societal boundaries to offer help to those in need (Luke 10:25-37).

4. School Choice: Advocating for Educational Equity

The contentious issue of school choice, including the challenges facing scholarships, charter, and contract schools, demands our careful consideration. In this debate, the church should not align with one side against another but rather advocate for a system where every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access to quality education. This stance is not about winning an argument but about embodying the Kingdom's values, where every child is valued and given the opportunity to flourish.

5. Summer Safety: Collaborative Efforts for Community Wellbeing

Every summer, the issue of public safety in Chicago comes to the fore. As Mayor Brandon Johnson introduces new programs, the church's role is to support efforts that enhance the safety and wellbeing of our communities. This is not about political allegiances but about working together for the common good. Our efforts should be rooted in the biblical call to seek the peace and prosperity of our city (Jeremiah 29:7).

As the Chicago Chapter of the AND Campaign, we commit to keeping the church informed and engaged in these critical issues. Our role is not merely to observe but to participate actively in shaping the civic life of our city, guided by our faith and the teachings of Christ.

As we step into 2024, let’s do so with a spirit of hope and determination, guided by the Holy Spirit's wisdom. May we be united in our efforts, seeking not only the welfare of our city but also the glory of God. As we engage in these civic matters, let us remember that our ultimate allegiance is to a higher Kingdom, one that calls us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).

We would love to talk to pastors and leaders about what you are focused on in 2024. Head to our form and let us know your goals and priorities for the new year.

Happy New Year to all, and may God bless our endeavors.

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The Round Up

Here are the stories that caught our eyes this week and what they mean for the weeks ahead.

The people we met — and shared papaya with — while reporting on Chicago’s guaranteed income program

There were 5,000 Chicago residents selected to receive guaranteed income for a year, but tracking down even one of them was as hard as finding a needle in a haystack.

The city opened applications for the Chicago Resilient Communities pilot program in April 2022. The new program offered $500 a month for a year.

What was happening in Chicago was part of a national movement testing whether guaranteed incomes can help end poverty. In the city’s pilot, a participant’s household income had to be at or below 250% of the federal poverty line.

This pilot stood out from other government programs because the cash assistance was unrestricted, and those taking part were given the autonomy to decide how to best use the money.

Chicago could move away from school choice. Here’s what that means for parents and students.

The Chicago Board of Education has signaled it wants to move away from a “school choice” system that currently allows students to vie for seats in competitive programs and instead shift back toward neighborhood schools.

This month, the board passed a resolution to set parameters for a five-year strategic plan. Chicago Public Schools will host community meetings in the coming months.

But the announcement is causing alarm across the city from parents who worry that CPS intends to eliminate its selective enrollment programs and charter schools.

Chicago migrants: Organizers demand Biden issue work permits for eligible Mexican families

Organizers are demanding President Joe Biden issue work permits for eligible Mexican families.

This comes as Biden met with Mexico's president on Wednesday to address the surge in migrants.

The Full Rights for Immigrants Coalition said there are undocumented Mexicans in Chicago who have, in some cases, been waiting for decades just to get a work permit.

And now, they say, if they can get Biden's support, they finally see a way forward for them to make a dependable living.