First Unitarian has been active in Social Justice for over 175 years. Our “First Church” has been active in serving community needs since its founding in 1836 (e.g. during the Civil War, after the Chicago Fire, in establishing the city’s first soup kitchen, during urban renewal in the 1950s) and the tradition continues today. The central purpose of the Social Justice Council (SJC) is stated in our Unison Affirmation that is recited at each Sunday service – “Love is the spirit of this church, and service its law.”

The SJC is here to provide a focal point for service to our congregation and to the community. All are welcome to participate at any level – attend events, offer suggestions on projects, have input in meetings, lead an action – whatever your comfort level. If you want to focus on a specific area, you can join an existing group or form a group. Whatever you chose to do, your help is needed to make our church, our community, our state, our nation and our world a better place.

The Social Justice Council is one of three semi-autonomous church councils. The Chair of the SJC is elected annually by the congregation. The Council holds regular monthly meetings.

The Social Justice Council:
✓Coordinates the SJC First Forums, held on the third Sunday of most months.
✓Organizes a social justice film series, typically shown in evening on the third Friday of the month.
✓Takes stands in its own name, but not in the name of the church as a whole.
✓Holds up to four special collections in each church year, to benefit a social justice cause of special interest.
✓Organizes or co-sponsors community forums on social justice matters.