Faith Over Fear: Interfaith Organizing for Democracy

Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain, executive director of Live Free Illinois, previewed her keynote for the Illinois Interfaith Conference. She described growing up in Englewood, a brother serving life sentences, and how congregational organizing shaped her belief that faith itself compels justice work. She outlined Live Free's clean slate and homicide data legislation, the formation of the Faith Over Fear multifaith coalition after federal immigration operations in Chicago, Faithful Fridays actions at the Broadview facility, and a proposed protest protection act. Ann Rasmus welcomed the audience, and a staff member from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Access, Civil Rights, and Community described the conference. An extended audience Q&A followed. Friday Forum in Latzer Hall.