Days of Prayer and Action for Colombia
2021-04-09 - 2021-05-31 | IL
CRLN is seeking congregations to participate in the Days of Prayer and Action for Colombia in April and May of 2021. We will distribute educational resources on Colombia’s Peace Process, the need to implement it fully, and the ever-growing number of victims. We can work with you to help plan virtual worship and action opportunities for your congregation in April and May. For more information contact Marilyn McKenna at mmckenna@crln.org

Virtual Ecumenical Advocacy Days - Imagine! God’s Earth and People Restored
2021-04-18 - 2021-04-21 | IL
EAD 2021 is an opportunity to advocate for climate justice and support the global movement centered and led by people and communities most vulnerable to climate impacts due to historic racial and colonial inequalities. #EAD2021 hopes to passionately advocate and reimagine a world that lives out the values of justice, equity, and beloved community.
EAD will include opportunities for worship, advocacy training and workshops on Latin America (see list of workshops below). Visit the EAD website to learn more about the event.
Early bird registration ends April 7. You can register at https://attendify.co/ecumenical-advocacy-days-pbfNWPy. Registration fees range from $15.00 – $50.00. Please contact Marilyn McKenna at mmckenna@crln.orgif registration fees are a barrier to your participation.
Register for EAD before April 7, 2021 if you are interested in participating in the EAD organized lobby day. This gives the EAD staff time to schedule the meetings. If you register after April 7, you are not guaranteed to have a meeting set up for you.
Please contact Marilyn McKenna at mmckenna@crln.org for more information.

Latin America Workshops at Ecumenical Advocacy Days
Monday 4/19
10am CT — MCC, OXFAM, Bread for the World, CWS
Climate Change as a Driver of Forced Migration from Central America
Climate change is increasingly a driver of forced migration and displacement in Central America. As climate change worsens droughts, hurricanes, and crop diseases in the region, individuals are forced by hunger or lack of economic opportunities to leave their homes. Come hear from organizations supporting communities impacted by or facing risks from climate change in Central America. Learn how climate change intersects with other root causes of migration, what works in helping small farmers and communities adapt to a changing climate, and how you can support U.S. policies to address climate change in the region.
Speakers: Susana Lopez from Pastoral de la Tierra San Marcos, Dulce Gamboa, Barbara Ford Peace Center in El Quiché, or Guatemala cluster coordinator
1:30pm CT – Amazon Watch
What is President Biden’s Agenda in the Amazon Rainforest?
As part of his sweeping climate executive order, President Biden mandated the creation of a U.S. government plan to support protection of the Amazon rainforest and other ecosystems that are important for regulating the global climate. How is the plan shaping up? What proposals have Amazonian Indigenous peoples and other grassroots social movements presented to stop destruction of their rainforest territories? What is the U.S. government’s role in regulating the operations of asset managers and banks that finance destruction and human rights violations in the Amazon? How can Congress be helpful?
Speakers: Patricia Gualinga from Ecuador, Moira Birss from Amazon Watch, Peter Hughes from REPAM.
1:30pm CT — MCC [This is from the Eco-Justice track but we are hoping to cross-list it!]
The impact of border walls on endangered species and sacred lands
Since 2017, billions of dollars have been spent to construct new walls on the U.S.-Mexico border. Construction has caused irreparable harm to public lands from Texas to Arizona, extracting millions of gallons of precious groundwater in the desert, encroaching on indigenous lands, severing migration routes and otherwise imperiling protected and endangered species. Dozens of laws that protect the environment, public health, and sacred lands were waived to speed construction. Find out how you can urge the Biden administration and your members of Congress to respond.
Moderator: Tammy Alexander, Director of National Advocacy and Program, Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Panelists: Jennifer Johnson, Border Policy Advisor, Southern Border Communities Coalition, Tricia Cortez, Executive Director, Rio Grande International Study Center, Scott Nicol, Assistant Professor at South Texas College (McAllen) and co-author of two ACLU reports on the history and impacts of walls along the U.S.-Mexico border
Tuesday 4/20
1:30pm CT — LAWG/ELCA
Time for Progress: Advocacy for Just U.S. Foreign & Migration Policies towards Latin America
With a relentless focus on stopping migration, U.S. policy in the last few years has ignored many human rights challenges in the Western Hemisphere, including corruption, weak rule of law, and threats faced by environmental activists, indigenous peoples, women, and the LGBTQ+ community. Now we have the opportunity to restore asylum, protect migrants, and address the root causes of migration for those fleeing Central America and Mexico. There will also be time to ask questions about what we can do to fully reopen diplomatic relations with and travel to Cuba, protect peace in Colombia, and ask our government to prioritize protecting human rights and environmental defenders throughout the Americas. Come discuss with advocates how together we can build a more just immigration and foreign policy towards Latin America in this pivotal year.
Speakers: Lisa Haugaard & Daniella Burgi-Palomino (LAWG), Joaquin Mejia (Jesuit Center ERIC, Honduras), Melissa Vertiz Hernandez, Secretaria Tecnica, Grupo de Trabajo de Politicas Migratorias

Chicago Rally Calling for an End to the U.S. Blockade of Cuba!
2021-07-25 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Michigan Avenue and Ida B Wells Drive in downtown Chicago 60605
Chicago Rally for an End to the U.S. Blockade of Cuba!
Carlos Lazo, a Cuban-American school teacher and Iraq war veteran, has been on a 1,300 mile pilgrimage — with six other Cuban Americans—all the way from Miami! He will arrive in Washington, DC on July 25 to present the Biden Administration with a petition signed by over 25,000 calling for an end to the U.S. blockade and demanding:
• the end of all sanctions
• the restoration of remittances
• the resumption of flights from the U.S., not only to Havana but to all the regional centers of Cuba
• the reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Havana
• a restart to the program of family reunification
Chicagoans will rally on July 25 at 1 pm at Michigan Ave. and Ida B. Wells Drive in solidarity with these demands.
Let’s support building bridges of love between Cuba and the United States.
Join the call to end the U.S. sanctions now!

Events in DC: You can find out more about welcome events in DC at https://www.codepink.org/cuba07252021.
Car and Bike Caravan in Milwaukee: The car and bike caravan will take place on Sunday, July 25, with a send off rally at 1pm at the parking lot of the Mitchell Park Domes, 524 South Layton Blvd., Milwaukee 53215. In addition to Cuban-Americans, speakers will include Tony Baez who co-sponsored the unanimously adopted Milwaukee School Board resolution calling for normal relations, and a representative from Voces de la Frontera, the state’s leading immigrant rights organization.

2021 Pedal for Peace: Bike, Run or Walk in Your Barrio
2021-09-26 16:00 - 17:00 | IL
Every year, CRLN and partner organizations in Illinois host Pedal for Peace, which raises funds that connect us with communities in Latin America and immigrant communities in Illinois. People everywhere have their dreams and goals for receiving education, access to health care, and a chance to participate in meaningful ways as citizens. This year, Pedal for Peace raises funds for 6 different projects that help people realize these dreams. Click here for project descriptions, to donate online, or to sign up to bike, run or walk to help fundraise. Registration is free. You must sign up on line to register, but you may donate by check if you prefer. Make your check out to CRLN, put the name of the team you support in the memo line, and mail it to CRLN, 5655 S. University Ave., Rm. 23, Chicago, IL 60637.
If you sign up to bike, ride or walk:
August 20 – September 19: Choose the day for your activity:
**alone or with family/friends;
**On a path, neighborhood streets, in a park, or on an exercise bike;
**find people to donate to the projects in honor of your activity;
**Send a photo of yourself in your biking location to shunter-smith@crln.org. Photos will be shared at the celebration program.
September 26, 4-5pm: Virtual program to celebrate our united efforts to empower communities in Latin America and Illinois. An in person celebration may be possible. More information will be sent to you closer to the date.

Chicago Car Caravan for an end to sanctions against the Cuban people!
2021-10-31 12:00 - 15:00 | Cermak Plaza
Cuban families in the U.S. initiated a world-wide call for car and bike caravans to say: “End the U.S. sanctions that separate and hurt Cuban families.” On Sunday October 31 Chicago will join other U.S. cities and many more around the world to support them!
The Caravan will meet at 12 pm (noon) on Sunday, October 31
Assemble at Cermak Plaza
southeast corner of Cermak and Harlem, Southside of McDonalds in Berwyn
View and download route map here
Statements of solidarity at kick off. Bring signs to decorate your vehicle.
For more information: 630-915-0654

Colombia Hoy: ¡Defensores de la paz resisten!
2021-11-13 17:30 - 19:30 | IL
Inglés | Español
Unase a nosotros en el Evento Anual de CRLN con Danilo Rueda de la Comisión Intereclesial de Justicia y Paz
Sábado, 13 de Noviembre a las 5:30 pm en vivo por zoom
Acompáñenos para ver a Danilo Rueda, el secretario ejecutivo de la organización ecuménica colombiana, la Comisión Intereclesial de Justica y Paz. Hablará, sobre la huelga nacional y las protestas largas de este año. Las fuerzas de la seguridad en Colombia han atacado a manifestantes, matado a 43 individuos, desaparecido a decenas y ahora están criminalizando a centenares de activistas. Los que luchan por la paz exigen un país seguro con infraestructura para todos, apoyo socioeconómico para los pobres y un proceso de responsabilidad para los que cometieron crímenes contra los derechos humanos durante la larga guerra civil. El Sr. Rueda hablará sobre lo que detonó las protestas y cómo podemos apoyar a los activistas y su visión de la justicia social y la paz.
Danilo Rueda
Defensor de derechos humanos y de paz social y ambiental. Comunicador social. Realizó estudios de filosofía, teología, educación y de pos grado en Estudios políticos. Ha sido profesor de la Universidad Javeriana y Externado de Colombia. Redactor de Actualidad Colombiana. Columnista y colaborador en medios indepedientes. Fue integrante del Tribunal Permanente de los Pueblos. Ha sido secretario técnico de la iniciativa Colombianas y Colombianos por la Paz. En la actualidad es Secretario Ejecutivo de la Comisión Intereclesial de Justicia y Paz, J&P. Director del medio virtual Contagio Multimedia. Es integrante de Defendamos la Paz. Promotor del Pacto por la Vida y la Paz, y del Acuerdo Humanitario Global. Es representante de víctimas ante el Sistema Interamericanos de Derechos Humanos.
Nuestro evento es gratuito pero es necesario registrarse. Regístrese aquí y obtenga más información sobre cómo donar, patrocinar o colocar un anuncio en el libro del programa aquí.

Colombia Today: Peacemakers Resist!
2021-11-13 17:30 - 19:30 | IL
English | Spanish
Join us for the CRLN Annual Event with Danilo Rueda from the Comisión Intereclesial de Justicia y Paz
Saturday, November 13, 5:30 pm live on Zoom
Join us to see Danilo Rueda, Executive Secretary of the Colombian ecumenical organization Comisión Intereclesial de Justicia y Paz. He will talk about the national strike and this year’s long, largely peaceful protests. Colombian security forces have attacked protesters, killed at least 43, disappeared dozens, and are now criminalizing hundreds of activists. Peacemakers are demanding safety, basic infrastructure for all communities, social support for those in need, and a process of accountability for the human rights crimes committed during the long civil war. Mr. Rueda will speak about why the protests broke out and how we can support peacemakers and their vision of social justice and peace.
Danilo Rueda
Danilo Rueda is a defender of human rights and of social and environmental peace. He studied philosophy, theology, education, and did postgraduate work in political science. He has been a professor both at the Universidad Javeriana and at Externado de Colombia, editor of Actualidad Colombiana, and a columnist and contributor to independent media. He was a member of the Tribunal Permanente de los Pueblos and has been technical secretary of the Colombianas y Colombianos por la Paz initiative. He is currently Executive Secretary of the Comisión Intereclesial de Justicia y Paz and serves as Director of the online media group, Contagio Multimedia. He is a member of Defendamos la Paz and a promoter of the Pacto por la Vida y la Paz and of the Acuerdo Humanitario Global. He is the representative of victims before the Inter-American Human Rights System.
Our event is free but registration is required. Register and learn more about donating, sponsoring or placing an ad in the program book HERE.
Please share our event with others!
CRLN Annual Event Flier & Reply Form ENGLISH | CRLN Annual Event Flier & Reply Form SPANISH | Facebook post to share | Twitter post to share

¡Adelante CRLN! A Tribute to Sharon Hunter-Smith
2022-06-12 15:00 - 18:00 | University Church, 5655 S. University Ave., Chicago, IL, 60637
Please join us in person or virtually to honor Sharon Hunter-Smith as she retires from the staff of the Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America (CRLN). Come enjoy music, food and drink, as we share stories and celebrate Sharon’s history of accompaniment for human rights in our hemisphere and CRLN’s continuing commitment to this vision.

In-Person: Please RSVP to let us know if you can join us in person at https://bit.ly/CRLNRSVP Please plan to wear a mask indoors to protect everyone. Socially distant seating will be available.
Virtually: To join the program virtually at 4:30 please register in advance at: https://bit.ly/TributeProgram. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Contribute: You can make a contribution in Sharon’s honor at: https://bit.ly/TributetoSharon or using the enclosed reply form and envelope.
Download Event Flier Here

Please send any videos, photos or greetings for Sharon to Marilyn McKenna at mmckenna@crln.org to be included in her keepsake album. Also feel free to add a greeting or photo to the album at the event.

Pedal for Peace: Bike in your Barrio
2022-09-17 09:00 - 15:00 | University Church, 5655 S. University Ave., Chicago, IL, 60637
This year’s celebration will be hybrid. We will have a live online broadcast and we will also gather in person on Saturday September 17, so please mark your calendars. Learn more

Weaving utopias, hopes and dreams / Tejiendo utopías, esperanzas y sueños
2022-11-06 15:00 - 18:00 | University Church, 5655 S. University Ave., Chicago, IL, 60637
More information / Más detalles del evento

Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2023 (Virtual)
2023-04-25 - 2023-04-27 | IL
Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2023 (Virtual)
Swords into Plowshares: Achieving Enough for all and Pursuing Peace

Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) from April 25-27 is an opportunity for people to come together, learn about why public policy is important, and take our message to Capitol Hill. Workshops are a highlight of EAD, providing opportunities to hear more from partners about their work on specific justice issues.
EAD will include opportunities for worship, advocacy training, and workshops on Latin America (see two of the workshops below). Visit the EAD website to learn more about the event.
You can register at https://attendify.co/ecumenical-advocacy-days-pbfNWPy. The Registration fee is $50.00. All the sessions from EAD are available on the platform for a month after EAD so if you are busy on those days you can still access the presentations.

Please contact Marilyn McKenna at mmckenna@crln.org if registration fees are a barrier to your participation or for more information.

Latin America Workshops at Ecumenical Advocacy Days
Cuba: End the violence of sanctions and build a better future for the Cuban People
Cuba is facing one of the worst economic crises in its history. And while the Cuban people are suffering, the US continues to pursue counterproductive and ineffective policies that only serve to make the situation worse. The Cuban people are facing shortages of clean water, medicine, and medical equipment, and the price of food has skyrocketed. At the same time, it is nearly impossible for U.S. humanitarian and faith organizations to provide humanitarian aid to the Cuban people. Private businesses and entrepreneurs who were thriving under the opening of restrictions under the Obama administration have been decimated in recent years. And hundreds of thousands of Cubans have attempted to migrate to the US through the southern border because they see no hope in remaining on the island. While Congress must ultimately pass legislation to end the embargo, the Biden administration can take measures to ease restrictions imposed by the Trump administration. Join this workshop to hear from our partners on the ground and experts in US Cuba policy. Learn what you can do to advocate for the Cuban people and an end to counterproductive US policies towards the island.
In Search of Safety: The Shrinking Asylum Space and Challenges for Asylum Seekers at the U.S.-Mexico Border
Faced with wars and other acts of violence that plague so many nations, individuals are often forced to make the difficult decision to leave their home country and seek asylum. In this workshop, we will learn about the experience of asylum seekers who come to the U.S. and the current efforts by the faith community to restore U.S. asylum. We will share how the lack of peace and security in home and transit countries present particular challenges for today’s asylum seekers, highlighting Honduras as one case example. This workshop will be moderated by Susan Krehbiel of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

2023 El Pueblo Canta
2023-04-29 17:30 - 20:30 | North Shore Baptist Church, 5244 N. Lakewood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640, 5244 N. Lakewood Avenue, Chicago, IL, IL, 60640, United States
The 14th Annual El Pueblo Canta Concert
April 29, 2023 at 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM CST

In Person & Live Streamed Concert

To purchase tickets, become a donor or sponsor, and more, click here.

Co-sponsored by American Muslims for Palestine Chicago, Centro Romero, CRLN, and Wellington UCC and in solidarity with Arab Jewish Partnership for Peace and Justice in the Middle East and Bright Stars of Bethlehem El Pueblo Canta: A Concert to Celebrate the Movement for Immigrant Justice, Un concierto para celebrar el Movimiento para la Justicia al inmigrante. For the fourteenth year El Pueblo Canta brings people together from across the city to celebrate our diversity, embolden the work for immigrant justice, and embrace the belief that who we are, is greater than any fear. All proceeds benefit the work of immigrant justice. El Pueblo Canta will be an In Person & Live Streamed Concert.

In Person:

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time through registration or at the door.
COVID protocol – masks optional
Doors open at 5:30 PM – Traditional Latino and Middle Eastern food for purchase.
Concert 7:00 PM – 8:30PM.
Event held at North Shore Baptist Church, 5244 N. Lakewood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640 (click here for map).
Parking: Plenty of residential street parking available. No parking lot at the church.

Live Stream:

Tune in 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM CST
Tickets are appreciated in order to receive the link for the livestream.

2023 Concert Featuring Music by:
Alhurya Dabka (dance) group
Dare2Dream, Centro Romero Youth Choir & Donald Ortega
El Wadi Ensemble, featuring Anita Darwish and Hassan Salameh
Wanda I. Pabellón-García
Wellington Community Choir

HOLDING ON TO HOPE AND HUMANITY
WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME

More information / Más detalles del evento

Widening the Circle Breakfast
2023-05-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Old Saint Patrick’s Church, 700 WEST ADAMS ST, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Widening the Circle Breakfast – Opening Your Space to Asylum Seekers in Chicagoland
Asylum seekers risk everything in the hopes of finding protection and welcome in the United States. In the first year of arriving, few needs are more crucial than finding a safe and reliable home to stay in for a while. As more and more asylum seekers arrive at our city’s doorstep, there is a very urgent need for the wonderful people of Chicago to open their spaces to their newest neighbors.

Do you belong to a faith community or organization that might be willing to provide temporary housing for asylum seekers? Would you perhaps be willing to host an asylum seeker in your home, or support a group that is providing space to our newest neighbors in need?

Come and learn how to make it happen from several faith communities, organizations, and individuals who have opened their space and hearts to asylum seekers throughout Chicagoland!
Register at https://bit.ly/3lA6byF

Pedal for Peace 2023
2023-09-17 11:00 - 15:00 | IL
Join us for a Condensed / Smaller
Pedal for Peace 2023 Celebration

(You can download our flyers below)
As we approach the end of summer, CRLN enters a period of transition. Change can be both positive and necessary, but what remains unchanged is CRLN’s unwavering commitment to the liberation of the people of Latin America. Our work persists, it is part of our collective resistance and is driven by solidarity and our actions.
This year, the Pedal for Peace project will take on a more condensed format compared to previous years. Rest assured, we’ll still be bikes, as well as walking and running in our barrios. While it may not be as elaborate as before, our partner organizations – Centro Romero, Chicago-Cinquera Sister Cities, Chicago-Guatemala Partnership, and Concern America – are looking forward to a celebration of friendship and solidarity. And yes, we will continue to raise funds for our ongoing projects.
We kindly invite you to make a donation by clicking here.
Join us on Sunday, September 17, at 11 am on the north side of Chicago, at Emmerson (Louis) Park (1820 W Granville Ave.). The event will be two hours of biking, running, walking, and communal celebration. We have a brief program planned, which will start at 11am and wrap up around 1 pm. Following this, we will migrate a few blocks to Centro Romero (6216 N Clark St.) for refreshments, poetry readings, and to continue celebrating our friendship and solidarity.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at jgomez@crln.org.
s
s
En solidaridad y resistencia permanente,
Jhonathan F. Gómez

Book Launch: I Surrender by Kathleen Osberger
2023-09-21 19:00 - 20:30 | IL
Join us for a Special Event with
Author Kathy Osberger
Kathleen Osberger has been a steadfast supporter and friend of CRLN for many years. Kathy is not only a dedicated human rights defender and activist but also a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist who has provided crucial support to the human rights community in Chicago, particularly by offering care and counseling to trauma and torture survivors.
We invite you to join us on Thursday, September 21, at 7 pm at St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Chicago as we celebrate the launch of Kathy’s new memoir, “I Surrender.”
Kathy’s memoir is a powerful testimony to her experiences in Chile. In September of 1973, a coup d’état, with the backing of the United States, toppled the democratically elected socialist government of Salvador Allende. Kathy arrived in Chile in 1975, during the early years of the dictatorship. Upon her arrival, she was entrusted with a secret: the religious women she would be living with were providing refuge to dissidents targeted by Pinochet’s secret police. “I Surrender” vividly portrays the solidarity of the Chilean people and the transformative role played by nuns and priests dedicated to serving the poor, while highlighting the changing and challenged Catholic Church.
Books will be sold at the event. And if you cannot make it on September 21, we recommend you watch an interview where Kathy shares some of her ideas and feelings behind her book. Click here or below to see the interview.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at jgomez@crln.org.
s
En solidaridad y resistencia permanente,
Jhonathan F. Gómez

IRTF Human Rights Banquet - Fiesta de Derechos Humanxs
2023-11-12 16:00 - 20:00 | Julia de Burgos Center, 2800 Archwood Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44109, United States
On Sunday, November 12, 2023, the InterReligious Task Force on Central America (IRTF) will commemorate the 43rd anniversary of the martyrdom of Clevelanders in El Salvador. On December 2, 1980—four women (including CWRU alumna, Jean Donovan and Ursuline Sister, Dorothy Kazel) paid with their lives for deciding to stay in solidarity with oppressed and marginalized peoples, despite political turmoil in El Salvador.
Register Here

ICPJ Latin America Caucus’ Honduras: Human Rights Crisis & Forced Migration
2023-11-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Church of the Good Shepherd, 2145 Independence Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
​Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice centers racial and economic justice as we address the root causes of violence from oppression, poverty, environmental devastation, patriarchy, and war.
Thanks to our co-sponsors Church of the Good Shepherd, U of M Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies and the Huron Valley Democratic Socialists of America.
Register Here

Celebrando Alternativas Comunitarias - La Voz de los de Abajo
2023-11-16 18:30 - 19:30 | 18th Street Casa de Cultura, 2057 W 18th St., Chicago, IL, 60608, United States
Blanca Valladares de Red COMAL en Honduras comparte cómo la agricultura comunitaria, las cooperativas y los productos locales han respaldado a las comunidades en resistencia durante los últimos 30 años.
Celebrating Community Alternatives- Blanca Valladares from Red COMAL in Honduras shares how for 30 years, community agriculture, cooperatives, and local products have supported communities in resistance.

Sembrando para la Vida
2023-11-18 14:00 - 16:00 | University Church, 5655 S. University Ave., Chicago, IL, 60637
Join us for a presentation sharing Red Comal’s experiences and insights into the landscape of human rights, art, and alternative agriculture in Honduras. This is a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the current human rights situation in Honduras, contextualized through the lens of our esteemed partner’s work. Our honored special guest for the evening is Blanca Esmeralda Valladares from Red Comal in Honduras.
Register Here

Saint Óscar Romero Commemoration Event
2024-04-07 15:30 - 18:00 | Inga Bookstore, 1740 W. 18th St., Chicago, 60608, United States
Oscar Romero Commemoration Event
Sunday, April 7, from 3:30 to 6:00pm
Inga Bookstore (Pilsen neighborhood)
1740 W. 18th St., Chicago, IL 60608
Join us on Sunday, April 7th, at 3:30pm as we come together to honor the life and legacy of Saint Oscar Romero. CRLN is delighted to partner with the Alma de Izote collective (Yuca Flower) for a special commemorative event dedicated to celebrating Saint Oscar Romero’s profound impact. His enduring influence holds special significance for CRLN, evident in his portrayal within our logo. Romero’s dedication to justice serves as a guiding light for our own efforts.
This year is the 44th anniversary of his martyrdom. We would not be CRLN if we didn’t remind you that he was killed during the war in El Salvador in 1980s which was backed and funded the infamous death squads. To his legacy we say ¡San Romero Vive! ¡Presente!
Alma de Izote is a newly formed solidarity group comprising individuals from the El Salvador community and allies, united in their commitment to fostering social, cultural, and political education and dialogue within the Chicago community.
The event will feature a screening of the documentary “Monseñor: The Last Journey of Oscar Romero,” followed by an insightful discussion and commentary led by esteemed Human Rights Defender from El Salvador, Neris Gonzales, Reverend Dan Dale, and other speakers. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to enjoy food from El Salvador while enjoying live music.
We warmly invite you to join us for this meaningful occasion as we pay tribute to Saint Oscar Romero and his enduring legacy of justice and liberation. We look forward to sharing this experience with you.
“When all avenues of dialogue, understanding and rationality are closed, the Church speaks of the legitimate right to insurrectionary violence.”
“And if they kill me, I will be resurrected in the Salvadoran people.”
– Óscar Arnulfo Romero

2024 In-Person Open House
2024-04-13 15:00 - 17:00 | University Church, 5655 S. University Ave., Chicago, IL, 60637
Rescheduled Open House!
We have rescheduled our Open House to be able to welcome two of our partners from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Center in Havana. Reverend Izett Samá Hernández and Loyet García Broche have at long last received U.S. visas and can join us in person.
In-person Open House on Saturday, April 13 at University Church at 5655 South University Avenue
3:00 pm Program
4:00 Mingle, Visit info tables about CRLN projects and partners
We are planning a fun afternoon! You will have a chance to meet the staff, learn about our campaigns, and meet others from the CRLN community! We are also planning a virtual Open House more information here.
We hope to see you in person or virtually!!

Conversation with Human Rights Defender from Honduras, Nelly del Cid
2024-05-02 18:00 - 19:30 | IL
Conversation with Human Rights Defender from Honduras, Nelly del Cid
CRN friends,
We are glad to extend an invitation for you to join us for a compelling conversation with Nelly del Cid, a distinguished Human Rights Defender from Honduras. The event will take place on Thursday, May 2, at 6 pm at Inga Bookstore in Pilsen.
Nelly del Cid, also known as Carmen Manuela Del Cid Mata, is an admired figure in the feminist movement in Honduras. Her unwavering dedication to defending the rights of women has earned her recognition as the “Butterfly of the Year” by women’s organizations in Honduras in 2014.
As a Mercy lay associate and the coordinator of the Mercy’s Dream Weavers ministry in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, Nelly provides crucial emotional and spiritual support to women human rights defenders across the country. Her leadership extends to the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Institute’s International Justice Team.
Nelly is a founding member of the Women’s Forum for Life, a network of 16 women’s organizations, including the Sisters of Mercy. Through this network, she has been instrumental in bringing attention to extreme violence against women and femicide.
In addition to her advocacy work, Nelly is trained as a Nonviolence Promoter through the Quakers’ Alternatives to Violence program. She has conducted nonviolence trainings in Honduran prisons and communities grappling with high levels of violence.
We are honored to partner with the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Chicago Justice Committee and La Voz de los de Abajo for this event. It promises to be an enlightening discussion covering topics such as women’s rights, nonviolence, migration, and the challenges facing the people of Honduras.
We hope you will join us for what is sure to be an inspiring evening. Your presence and support are invaluable as we come together to learn from Nelly del Cid’s experiences and insights.
En resistencia y solidaridad permanente
Jhonathan F. Gómez

2024 Virtual Open House
2024-05-09 18:30 - 20:00 | IL
Rescheduled Open House!
We have rescheduled our Open House to be able to welcome two of our partners from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Center in Havana. Reverend Izett Samá Hernández and Loyet García Broche have at long last received U.S. visas and can join us in person for a week of events.
We are planning a fun virtual Open House! You will have a chance to meet the staff, learn about our projects, and meet others from the CRLN community! We hope to see you virtually!!
Virtual Open House on Thursday, May 9 on Zoom.
6:30 PM Program
7:30 PM Q&A
RSVP Here!

Click here for In-Person Open House on April 13 information and RSVP.
More event information on our calendar.

JOIN US ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12 FOR AN UNIQUE IN-PERSON STUDENT PUBLIC ART EVENT
2024-06-12 11:30 - 14:00 | IL
Join us on Wednesday, June 12 for an unique In-Person Student Public Art Event
WHAT: In-person Collaborative Public Art-Making Event
by DePaul University Students
WHEN: Thursday, June 12, from 11:30 AM to 1:45 PM
WHERE: Latinx Cultural Center – O’Connell Room 360
at 1036 W. Belden Ave, Lincoln Park
We are very glad to invite you to a special in-person Collaborative Public Art-Making event at the Latinx Cultural Center at DePaul University. Join us from 11:30 AM to 1:45 PM and experience remarkable art projects by students from the “Historical Memory Project: Ni Olvido, Ni Perdón” class. Students will also invite people who attend to join in the art making. This unique event will feature projects that can provide insights into:

The role of Guatemala’s textiles as a centuries-old form of Indigenous cultural resistance.
The impact of El Salvador’s mega prisons, their connection to gang culture, and societal consequences.
The ongoing resistance and oppression faced by the Trans community in Honduras.

There will be other thought-provoking projects highlighting the continuous fight for human rights in Central America. This event is the culmination of a collaboration between CRLN and HumanitiesX at DePaul University. In 2023, CRLN was honored with a fellowship by DePaul University, allowing us to work closely with the exceptional professors Susana Martínez and Lydia Saravia. You can read more about this unique and inspiring project here.
We look forward to seeing you there. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at jgomez@clrn.org, or mmckenna@crln.org.

Justice for the Indigenous Maya Ixil People
2024-06-15 08:00 - 17:00 | IL
Justice for the Indigenous Maya Ixil People of Guatemala
Join us for an Educational Fundraising Event
Join us for an educational event held by and for the Maya Ixil Accompaniment Project. The project is led by activists and artists from the Guatemala Diaspora in Chicago who are collaborating with grassroots organizations in Guatemala to support the historic Maya Ixil Genocide case. They are organizing a Human Rights delegation to Guatemala in July. As project sponsors, together, we are inviting you to an educational fundraising event to meet the members, learn about the project and the ongoing Maya Ixil Genocide trial, and help cover the costs of the delegation.
We sincerely thank you for your solidarity, your continued collaboration and dedication to the work in defense of Human Rights in Latin America.
To learn more about the project, please CLICK HERE.
To make a donation right now please CLICK HERE.
WHAT: In-Person Educational Fundraising Event in Support of a Human Rights Delegation to Guatemala
WHEN: Tuesday, June 18, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
WHERE: Inga Book Store (Pilsen neighborhood), 1740 W. 18th Street, 60608
En resistencia y solidaridad permanente
Jhonathan F. Gómez

Webinar: Maya Ixil Genocide Trial in Guatemala
2024-10-19 16:00 - 17:30 | IL
Join us on Saturday, October 19 for a Webinar to learn about the Ongoing Maya Ixil Case in Guatemala
CRLN Community,
Following the delegation to Guatemala in July, we held an in-person report-back event with participants to reflect on the experiences and insights gained. We are glad to continue this important conversation with an upcoming webinar that invites us all to learn more and listen to the survivors who continue to fight for justice as the trial continues today.
We sincerely thank you for your solidarity, your continued collaboration and dedication to the work in defense of Human Rights in Latin América and Guatemala.
We invite you to attend this informative webinar focused on the Maya Ixil Genocide Trial for the Lucas García period (1978-1982). This case, supported by survivors of the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR), sheds light on the systematic violence inflicted upon the Maya Ixil population during Guatemala’s military dictatorship.
🗓 Date: Saturday, October 19
⏰ Time: 3 PM Guatemala / 4 PM Chicago
📍 REGISTER HERE
This webinar will features special guest speakers, including survivor human rights defenders from the AJR, Evelyn Zepeda and Josue Sicán, organizers from Guatemala born in Chicago who participated on the July delegation. This event is a collaboration with our friends at NISGUA and Colectiva Ceiba. Jhonathan Gómez from CRLN will moderate the event.
This is a critical opportunity to learn about Guatemala’s ongoing fight for justice and historical memory, especially concerning the war crimes against Indigenous communities. The trial represents a significant step in addressing the atrocities that have shaped the country’s history.
About the Maya Ixil Genocide Case
The Maya Ixil genocide case during the Lucas García period focuses on the systematic violence perpetrated by Guatemala’s army under the regime of General Romeo Lucas García (1978-1982). Military forces targeted the Maya Ixil population through massacres, torture, sexual violence, forced displacement, and scorched earth tactics as part of a broader state campaign against Indigenous communities. This case seeks justice for these war crimes, internationally recognized as acts of genocide, and represents an important step in the efforts for justice and historical memory in Guatemala.
Delegation Context
The primary goal of our recent delegation was to provide in-person accompaniment to the Maya Ixil community, whose witnesses and survivors of genocide testified during the hearings of this historic trial. The trial, marked a pivotal moment in the struggle for justice and accountability. As International Human Rights Accompaniers, the delegation documented their experiences and engaged with human rights defenders, community leaders, and organizations throughout Guatemala.
Join us in this important dialogue as we work together for justice and memory.

Indigenous Justice: Thelma Cabrera and Neftalí López in Chicago
2024-10-22 18:00 - 21:00 | IL
Friends of CRLN,
Our solidarity work with the people of Guatemala has evolved over the decades, but one thing remains constant: our belief that Indigenous communities are at the forefront of social change, justice, and liberation. This truth holds across the Americas.
We are honored to partner with Colectiva Ceiba, Alma de Izote, Mijente and Comité de Desarrollo Campesino (CODECA) to welcome renowned human rights defenders Thelma Cabrera and Neftalí López to Chicago. We hope to see you at one or both events.
🗓 Date: Tuesday, October 22
⏰ Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: 8th Street Casa De Cultura
(2057 W 18th St. Chicago, IL 60608)
Free to everyone. Masks required.
Many of you may remember Thelma Cabrera from her 2019 presidential run. Although she placed fourth, her candidacy inspired rural and Indigenous communities, solidifying her position as a significant political figure in Guatemala.
A renowned Indigenous leader and human rights defender from Guatemala, Thelma is recognized for her tireless work with CODECA, which advocates for land rights, social justice, and the defense of Indigenous and rural communities. A member of the Maya Mam people, Cabrera has emerged as a powerful voice in the fight against corruption, exploitation, and systemic exclusion. In 2019, she ran as a presidential candidate with the Movimiento para la Liberaciónde los Pueblos (Movement for the Liberation of the People, MLP), following in the footsteps of Rigoberta Menchú. Her leadership has made her one of Guatemala’s most prominent voices in the fight for Indigenous self-determination and against the deep-rooted inequalities in the country.
Her presidential candidacy galvanized support from rural areas and indigenous groups, positioning her as a key political figure. Her platform advocated for structural changes, including the convening of a Constitutional Assembly to transform Guatemala into a plurinational state that recognizes Indigenous rights and autonomy. Despite her exclusion from the 2023 election, by the manipulation of the system by corrupt structures, Cabrera’s impact remains significant, continuing to push for systemic change through grassroots mobilization.
Neftalí López is a prominent leader within CODECA, scholar and political consultant, expert on Indigenous Maya customary law and on contexts of juridical pluralism. He was Thelma Cabrera’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election. López is known for his long-standing work in defending the rights of farmworkers and Indigenous peoples, particularly in the areas of land reform and the nationalization of key public services such as energy. His work with CODECA has made him a central figure in mobilizing rural communities against neoliberal policies and corruption that have long marginalized Guatemala’s most vulnerable populations.
During the 2019 campaign, López emphasized the MLP’s goal of convening a Constitutional Assembly to create a plurinational state, ensuring representation and rights for Guatemala’s Indigenous communities. Under his leadership, CODECA has grown into a powerful social and political movement, despite the dangers its members face—38 activists have been killed since the organization’s inception. López remains a dedicated advocate for justice, working to transform Guatemala’s political landscape and build a more equitable society for all.

In permanent resistance and solidarity,
Jhonathan

Indigenous Justice: Thelma Cabrera and Neftalí López in Chicago
2024-10-24 18:00 - 21:00 | IL
Friends of CRLN,
Our solidarity work with the people of Guatemala has evolved over the decades, but one thing remains constant: our belief that Indigenous communities are at the forefront of social change, justice, and liberation. This truth holds across the Americas.
We are honored to partner with Colectiva Ceiba, Alma de Izote, Mijente and Comité de Desarrollo Campesino (CODECA) to welcome renowned human rights defenders Thelma Cabrera and Neftalí López to Chicago. We hope to see you at one or both events.
🗓 Date: Thursday, October 24
⏰ Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Latin Patio Restaurant
(3115 N Central Ave. Chicago, IL 60634)
Free to everyone. Masks required.
Many of you may remember Thelma Cabrera from her 2019 presidential run. Although she placed fourth, her candidacy inspired rural and Indigenous communities, solidifying her position as a significant political figure in Guatemala.
A renowned Indigenous leader and human rights defender from Guatemala, Thelma is recognized for her tireless work with CODECA, which advocates for land rights, social justice, and the defense of Indigenous and rural communities. A member of the Maya Mam people, Cabrera has emerged as a powerful voice in the fight against corruption, exploitation, and systemic exclusion. In 2019, she ran as a presidential candidate with the Movimiento para la Liberaciónde los Pueblos (Movement for the Liberation of the People, MLP), following in the footsteps of Rigoberta Menchú. Her leadership has made her one of Guatemala’s most prominent voices in the fight for Indigenous self-determination and against the deep-rooted inequalities in the country.
Her presidential candidacy galvanized support from rural areas and indigenous groups, positioning her as a key political figure. Her platform advocated for structural changes, including the convening of a Constitutional Assembly to transform Guatemala into a plurinational state that recognizes Indigenous rights and autonomy. Despite her exclusion from the 2023 election, by the manipulation of the system by corrupt structures, Cabrera’s impact remains significant, continuing to push for systemic change through grassroots mobilization.
Neftalí López is a prominent leader within CODECA, scholar and political consultant, expert on Indigenous Maya customary law and on contexts of juridical pluralism. He was Thelma Cabrera’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election. López is known for his long-standing work in defending the rights of farmworkers and Indigenous peoples, particularly in the areas of land reform and the nationalization of key public services such as energy. His work with CODECA has made him a central figure in mobilizing rural communities against neoliberal policies and corruption that have long marginalized Guatemala’s most vulnerable populations.
During the 2019 campaign, López emphasized the MLP’s goal of convening a Constitutional Assembly to create a plurinational state, ensuring representation and rights for Guatemala’s Indigenous communities. Under his leadership, CODECA has grown into a powerful social and political movement, despite the dangers its members face—38 activists have been killed since the organization’s inception. López remains a dedicated advocate for justice, working to transform Guatemala’s political landscape and build a more equitable society for all.

In permanent resistance and solidarity,
Jhonathan

What Now? Organizing for Justice After the Election: November 10
2024-11-10 11:45 - 13:30 | IL
Join us for a discussion titled “What Now? Organizing for Justice After the Election”.
DATE: Sunday, November 10th
TIME: 11:45 AM
LOCATION: Lake Street Church, 607 Lake St., Evanston, IL 60201
At the Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America (CRLN), we understand that marginalized communities in the U.S. have been fighting for justice under all administrations. Our work emphasizes an internationalist perspective and a critique of U.S. foreign policy on Latin American countries. We advocate for the rights of all migrant communities here in the U.S.
We thank Lake Street Church for the invitation to be part of this conversation. Come learn how you can engage in this critical conversation and take action. Your participation matters in co-creating a beloved community.

Resistance Across Generations: November 14
2024-11-14 18:00 - 20:00 | IL
Resistance Across Generations:
From Latino América to Chicago
November 14
CRLN has a long standing history in the struggle for human rights, immigrant justice, and international solidarity. At times, a gathering space for activism in Chicago, CRLN has emphasized the importance of connecting generations and communities in shared resistance against systems of oppression. The upcoming events, Resistance Across Generations: From Colombia to El Salvador to Chicago, highlights the intersections of these themes, showcasing the enduring legacies of intergenerational and international activism.
Chicago’s history is deeply rooted in social movements, where migrant communities have played pivotal roles in shaping the city’s landscape. From the labor strikes of the early 20th century to the establishment of bilingual education programs in the 1960s and 70s, the contributions of Latin American migrants have been central to the city’s identity as a sanctuary for everyone. CRLN builds on this foundation, fostering spaces where historical memory and ongoing struggles converge.
In collaboration with the Alma de Izote collective and the Chicago Party for Socialism and Liberation, CRLN’s seeks to honor the work of past generations while nurturing the voices of emerging activists. This initiative, spanning two events in November 2024, will feature distinguished speakers Neris González from El Salvador and Gladys Zarate Cárdenas from Colombia, alongside younger activists from Chicago’s Latin American diaspora representing México, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. Other featured speakers include Lorna Sánchez, Yesenia Puebla, Willy Palomo and Josué Sicán. The events will be moderated by Jhonathan F. Gómez from CRLN. Together, they will explore themes of resistance, exile, migration, and intergenerational solidarity.
These gatherings are not just a platform for storytelling but a call to action—encouraging participants to draw lessons from the past to confront today’s challenges. Topics include historical memory, the impact of migration on activism, and the potential of intergenerational organizing as a transformative force in community work.
CRLN warmly invites you to join us in celebrating resistance and solidarity. Let’s honor the past, connect in the present, and build for the future.
📅 Event Details:

Date: Thursday, November 14
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Location: 18th Street Casa de Cultura (2057 W. 18th St. Chicago, IL 60608)

This is more than an event; it’s an opportunity to be part of a growing movement for justice.
