Update!!

The News Conference scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2009 has been rescheduled for Tuesday June 23, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. on the Second floor of City Hall. The Coalition for Justice and Respect (CJR) will be hold a community response to the recently identified racial disparities of HIV infections in the City of Chicago. According to the Chicago Department of Public Health the current rate of infection is for every White man that is infected with HIV or AIDS there are seven African-Americans. The community response will include visibility, education, and action.   

On Saturday, June 20, 2009 the Coalition for Justice and Respect (CJR) in cooperation with are partners the LGBTQ Religious Studies Center at the Chicago Theological Seminary and others list in formation. Will present a Roundtable discussion titled: Faith of Our Lives - Bridges and Barriers. The Roundtable will be held at 5757 South University Graham-Taylor Chapel  at the Chicago Theological Seminary 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Complimentary Lunch Provided Please RSVP: cjr.chicago@gmail.com

This will be a Dialogue of African-American Gays and Lesbians and Faith Communities
This panel will include mainstream dominations and independent ministers both straight and Lesbian and Gay.

We have invited Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, and Jewish Ministers.  The panel will include public policy faith based programs. 

Topics will include:
How to stop hurt from the pulpits.
Is there space for Lesbians and Gays in Communities of faith.
Public Policy and faith based programs.
Are there welcoming and or affirming faith based communities.
How to break barriers from charities to needs and support services.
Is there an accountability of faith communities to LGBT families.
What is the faith-based response to Civil Unions, Civil Rights, and Same Sex Marriage.
What is the faith-based response to anti Gay violence.
What is the faith-based response to anti Gay discrimination.

The Coalition for Justice and Respect (CJR) will join Black Health Alert and invite you to a Community Meet and Greet on Thursday June 25, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.

The main guest would be the Illinois Director of the Department of Public Health Dr. Damon Arnold, his newly appointed Chief of Staff Jessica Perkins, and Michael Randle Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections.

 

On Friday June 26, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. the Coalition for Justice and Respect (CJR) will acknowledge the work of State Senators: Kwame Roaul, Kimberly Lightfoot, Emil Jones III for their sponsorship of the  Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act.

And kick-off of the CJR Community Petition Drive, the goal is to secure 5,000 signatures from the African-American Community in support of Civil Unions and Same Sex Marriage in Illinois.