Interfaith Cooperative Initiative
Inspired by DuPage County United and other multi-religious groups and organizations, and aware of tragic harms that have come out of religious animus and ignorance in Will County (and elsewhere), Gros Institute seeks to build connections with area faith communities to collaborate toward greater understanding, cooperation, and healing. We hope to gather with individuals and groups, on campus and beyond, to better understand the need for repair and transformation of various oppressive forces, e.g., religious-based bias, xenophobia, racism, inequity, and division. We imagine a path forward that fosters storytelling, relationship-building, and proactive efforts toward the thriving of religiously-diverse communities, particularly in Will County.
We believe that growing the use of dialogue and engaging stories, as well as deeply listening and investing in meaningful relationship, can help Lewis and its neighbors to confront oppressive systems with honesty, engage in the work of dismantling those systems, and imagine more just and equitable ways of being, working, and living together. We seek to continue and grow interfaith programs and practices such as the annual FIRE (Fostering Interfaith Relationship through Encounter) story-sharing event and incorporating interfaith voices and perspectives in the annual Peace Teach-In.
Using the successful DuPage County United as a model, the Gros Institute will strive to build interfaith partnerships in Will County with religious institutions, non-profit organizations, and justice-oriented individuals to address social justice issues. Moving forward, we will take initial steps toward the creation of a Will County United organization and explore affiliation with Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) or other interfaith community organization networks working toward a more just society.
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