SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITMENTS
Holy Trinity’s mission is grounded in our commitment to social justice as underscored in our welcome statement:
Whoever we are, whatever our religious or spiritual background or how we feel about church, whatever the color of our skin, our sexual or gender identities, God welcomes us here. God’s acceptance of all compels us to stand against racism, sexism, heterosexism, xenophobia, classism, ageism, ableism and all forms of hate and prejudice.
Our purpose statement calls us to be transformative agents of justice and healing in the world. We join the mission of Jesus in standing with all those most vulnerable in our society. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” (Luke 4:18-19).
Holy Trinity member Kerry Fleming puts it this way:
Jesus lived within the structures of society even as he spoke truth to those in power and challenged systems of oppression and inequality. The gospel call, Jesus’ call to all of us, is that we be courageous disciples and responsible citizens; that we be grounded in love for our neighbor and care for, support and work for the most vulnerable and shunned in our midst.
In the 1990s Holy Trinity was an active participant in the work of the Lakeview Action Coalition (LAC) to build collective power to eliminate injustice through bold and innovative community organizing. LAC merged with other organizations to form One Northside and Holy Trinity partners with One Northside in addressing housing justice, environmental justice, and violence prevention, among other issues.
Since the early 1990s Holy Trinity has also been at the forefront of LGBTQ justice, becoming one of the first reconciling and welcoming Lutheran congregations in Chicago. Since then LGBTQ persons serve at all levels of leadership at Holy Trinity, and many same-gender weddings have been celebrated in our sanctuary.
Since the early 2000s antiracism has been another core justice commitment, especially reparations. Holy Trinity’s reparations path involves more than money. It includes truth telling, spiritual practice, political solidarity, and relationships with communities of color. Reparations is related to the word “repair.” God is in the business of mending the universe. Jews call it “Tikkun Olam,” which means repairing the world.
Holy Trinity’s Ministry with the LGBTQIA+ Community
In 1990 Holy Trinity declared itself a Reconciling in Christ congregation (RIC), welcoming gays and lesbians in worship and in all levels of participation and leadership. Holy Trinity was the second Lutheran community in Chicago to become RIC. In the 1990s Holy Trinity’s largest demographics were gays and lesbians, and widows. During this decade Holy Trinity members reached out to persons living with AIDS at Bonaventure House.
For nearly 25 years, Holy Trinity has had two queer pastors: Lead Pastor Craig Mueller and Associate Pastor Michelle Sevig. Due to its welcome and Lakeview’s changing demographics, in the 2000s, Holy Trinity welcomed a growing number of straight members to its inclusive community. One of the things that mattered to them was the large presence of queer couples, families, and individuals.
In 2009, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America changed its ordination policy and officially allowed gays and lesbians in committed relationships to serve as pastors. When marriage equality was passed in the United States, Holy Trinity hosted a Celebration of Marriage in 2013, led by the bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod. In addition to a gay couple who got married at the service, 17 other couples–straight and gay–renewed their vows from previous services or occasions.
Holy Trinity’s social ministry team coordinates service opportunities for our community:
Hot Soup Group–provides hot meals monthly to those who are unhoused in the Lakeview neighborhood.
Love in a Ziploc–create resource bags for people that include food, handwarmers, socks and personal hygiene items.
South Loop Community Table–volunteers provide food and presence for the weekly dinner party for people experiencing housing and/or food insecurity.
God’s Work, Our Hands–an ELCA initiative to do service work on the first weekend in September.
Craftivism–Combining crafts and activism, we provide handmade items-Hats, scarves and mittens-during the cold months to people experiencing homelessness.
Diapers, food and Christmas gift card drives are conducted throughout the year when needs arise for special gifts for migrants, refugees, or unhoused families.
Email Pr. Michelle Sevig (msevig@htchicago.org) if you are interested in joining the Social Ministry Team.
Antiracism & Reparations
Holy Trinity’s Antiracism & Reparations team embodies our commitment to social justice by putting faith into action. The team is responsible for envisioning reparations at Holy Trinity, and has hosted educational discussions and presentations covering a range of topics including James Baldwin & Music, Indigenous Awareness, and a deep dive on reparations. Email co-chairs Aana Vigen and Josh Brown to get involved.
A message from Lead Pastor Craig Mueller on Holy Trinity’s journey with antiracism & reparations
Holy Trinity is also passionate about other justice issues, such as:
justice and peace in Palestine and Israel, including resistance to the occupation of Palestinian lands and people;
solidarity with Lutheran Social Services throughout the United States under threat of losing federal funding for government-sponsored programs, such as foster care, mental health services, adoption agencies, and affordable senior housing.
upholding the dignity and humanity of migrants and refugees, most of whom are fleeing oppression. We affirm the ongoing work of partner organizations such as Refugee One and Church World Service;
reaffirming our commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community, especially trans people who are under attack and living in fear in today’s political climate.
In chaotic and uncertain times, we gather in worship for strength, solace, hope, and resilience. In times of hurt and fear we support one another.
Members of Holy Trinity put their faith into action in diverse ways. Some participate in acts of resistance and protest. Others contact their congresspeople. Many at Holy Trinity serve on our social ministry and reparations teams. You are most welcome to join us in this holy work.
At baptisms, confirmations, and each Easter Vigil this question is before our community: “will you work for justice and peace in all the earth?” By God’s grace, we boldly respond, “we will, and we ask God to help and guide us.”
