January 2022 update

Recently, Presbyterian Church (USA) Stated Clerk Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, who speaks on behalf of the PCUSA General Assembly, made remarks on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

Chicago has been home to a long-standing Jewish–Presbyterian dialogue group, and several Fourth Church pastors have joined with other local Presbyterians in issuing a statement responding to Dr. Nelson’s remarks. The statement also prayerfully supports the Jewish community in the United States in light of the hostage crisis this past month at Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue in Colleyville, Texas.

The Presbytery’s Dialogue Group statement can be found here. Dr. Nelson’s original statement can be found here and his follow-up statement here.

Fourth Church is Committed to Interfaith Relations

Fourth Presbyterian Church has a long history of vibrant and mutually beneficial relationships with neighboring communities from the Jewish, Muslim, and other faith traditions.

Read the Covenant between the Presbytery of Chicago and the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago

The Interfaith Relations Committee of Fourth Church supports our community’s efforts to deepen our Christian faith by engaging the faith traditions of others. We serve as a resource to our church’s members, ministries, and friends in seeking to promote understanding, fellowship, and service for the common good among all people of faith.

The Interfaith Relations Committee invites you to join the committee’s email list by contacting Simon Crow (312.573.3369) to learn more about upcoming interfaith opportunities at Fourth Church, including

• Book discussions and public presentations on interfaith topics
• Interfaith worship services
• Tours of places of worship
• Joint service and advocacy projects
• Education on other faith traditions’ practices and celebrations
• Fine arts performances
• Festival meals to celebrate the Jewish High Holy Days and the Muslim month of Ramadan
• Classes with interfaith themes, offered by the Academy for Faith and Life

Ongoing Interfaith Opportunities with Fourth Church

Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service

Every year on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago Sinai Congregation, Holy Name Cathedral, and other partners gather for a service of thanksgiving. Each congregation takes a turn hosting the service, with the other congregations providing music and worship leadership.

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If you wish to receive periodic updates of upcoming interfaith events, please send your email address to Simon Crow.

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