Chicago Southside and Westside Faith Leaders Stand in Solidarity With CTU (Chicago, IL) – On behalf of the Chicago faith-based community, we support the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) in their bargaining negotiations as they advocate for essential resources that prioritize the well-being of CPS students, educators, and families in our communities.

Education is a sacred trust, and we recognize that teachers play a pivotal role in nurturing the minds and hearts of our future generations. CTU is fighting for resources at the bargaining table. All kids in this city, regardless of their neighborhood, deserve access to afterschool programs, giving them access to arts, sports, and music programs. Now is not the time to be modest in our demands while our students fall behind Other school districts across Illinois have the necessary resources to empower their students, such as dual language classes and working librarians. We understand that teachers must be supported and valued so our students can thrive—creating a more just and equitable city in all our South and West side neighborhoods.

As leaders, we have witnessed the decay of our communities and the escalation of blight when 51 CPS schools were ferociously closed, predominately on the South and West sides. We are faced with CPS leadership that has not stepped up to the demands and needs that our young people face daily. Many of our schools have long been underfunded, underserved, and outright shut down in predominantly Black communities.

We stand with CTU in demanding a fair contract that ensures every student has access to the quality education they deserve, those who stand in the way of equity must be held accountable — we are no longer waiting. It is simply not enough to be adequate– just enough is not enough. Moreover, we recognize the importance of mental health support, adequate classroom resources, and equitable access to services that empower all students. These are not just union demands; they are moral imperatives that reflect our shared commitment to the well-being of our children and community.

The Chicago faith community is prepared to stand with CTU in solidarity and prayer to help amplify the voiceless–as faith leaders and as parents, grandparents, legal guardians, and pillars of our communities. Together, we can work towards a future where every teacher feels valued, every student receives the education they deserve, and our schools reflect our great city’s rich diversity and potential.

In faith and support,

New Spiritual Light MB Church: Pastor Walter Turner, III

Lilydale First Baptist Church: Pastor Alvin Love

Mt. Carmel MB Church: Robert Jones

Saint James Industrial Baptist Church: Pastor Warner Pitts

New Exodus MB Church: Pastor Andre Miles

Change You Can Believe In Baptist Church: Pastor Darryl Russell

New Nazareth Baptist Church: Pastor Jarvis Hanson

First Unity Baptist Church: Pastor James Boyd

Greater Omega Baptist Church: Pastor Ira Wheaton

Paradise MB Church: Pastor J.C. Boyd

Travelers Rest MB Church: Pastor Walter Taylor

Pleasant Valley MB Church: Pastor Floyd Skinner

Rayfield MB Church: Pastor Dennis Allen

Rain Or Shine MB Church: Pastor Mark Mixon

Greater Shiloh MB Church: Pastor Jesse Lee

First Corinthian MB Church: Pastor James Thomas

New Covenant MB Church: Pastor Stephen Thurston, III

Alpha Temple MB Church: Pastor A. William Staten Jr.

Calvary Baptist Church: Pastor James Flint

Flesh Becoming Word Church: Pastor William Jenkins

Greater New Mount Eagle Baptist Church: Pastor Davie Moore

Rebirth Chicago Centennial Baptist Church: Pastor J.D. Anderson

St. Luke MB. Church: Pastor Scott On’que

True Light Church Baptist: Pastor LaRue Kidd

St. Matthew MB Church: Pastor E.J. Brown

Chicago Southside and Westside Faith Leaders Stand in Solidarity With CTU

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