Religious Leaders Support Workers’ Rights

Arise Chicago, established in 1991 by religious leaders, is an interfaith non-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic and social justice in the workplace. All religious traditions believe in the rights of workers to have their dignity in the workplace. Drawing on our sacred scriptures that proclaim that each person has been created in the image of God and therefore deserving of respect, we believe that all workers should be: 

• Paid a living wage that allows them to meet the basic needs of their families;
• Provided with full healthcare benefits for them and their families;
• Employed by companies that abide by all applicable laws – including proper minimum wage and overtime payment;
• As stated by law, able to freely join a collective bargaining unit without harassment, intimidation, or retaliation;
• Treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve.

Some signatories include:

Rev. Betty Jo Birkhahn-Rommelfanger, Church of the Incarnation, Arlington Heights

Rev. Jason Coulter, Ravenswood United Church of Christ

Fr. Brendon Curran, O.P., St. Pius V Catholic Church, Chicago

Fr. Charles Dahm, O. P., St Pius V Catholic Church, Chicago

Rev. Dan Dale, Wellington Community Church

Rev. Lillian Daniel, Glen Ellyn Community Church

Sr. Kathleen Desautels, Eighth Day Center, Chicago

Rabbi Bruce Elder, Congregation Hakafa, Winnetka

Rev. C. J. Hawking, Arise Chicago

Rev. Sherrie Lowly, Berry Memorial United Methodist Church, Chicago

Rev. Michael Mann, Elgin

Rev. Claire Marich, Downers Grove United Methodist Church

Rev. Lois McCullen Parr, Broadway United Methodist Church, Chicago

Rev. Richard Mosley, Jr., Hemenway United Methodist Church, Evanston

Rev. Liz Munoz, St. James Cathedral, Episcopal Diocese of Chicago

Rev. Bonnie Osei-Frimpong, Chicago

Rabbi Brant Rosen, Evanston

Rev. Marti Scott, Euclid Ave. United Methodist Church, Oak Park

Fr. Michael Shanahan, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Chicago

Sr. Marlene Schemmel, CSJ, LaGrange

Rev. John Thomas, Chicago Theological Seminary

Rev. Dr. Eugene Winkler, Naperville

Rev. Wendy Witt, Chicago Temple, Chicago

Rev. Tim Yeager, Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Chicago