Logo of the Coalition for Spiritual & Public Leadership featuring a colorful emblem with hands holding a flame, surrounded by the words "faith. community. justice."

chicago faith-based non-profit

A SPIRITUALLY-ROOTED FORCE FOR GOOD

We bring together Catholic & Christian people in Chicago & the western suburbs to build power and create thriving communities.

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OUR MISSION

When people of faith encounter the historical Jesus, a radical disruptor of the status quo, powerful change can happen.

Faith formation rooted in liberation theology and community organizing equip our member-leaders to build systems that advance racial, economic, social, and environmental justice through direct action.

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REGISTER NOW FOR OUR 2025 CONGRESS!

Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 8, 2025 | Loyola University Chicago Lakeshore Campus

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we’re all related through love

WHAT IS THE KIN-DOM?

Jesus used the “Kingdom of God” to describe an alternative kingdom opposite of the oppressive regime of the Roman Empire. Jesus was describing a world rooted in kin-ship, equal distribution of resources, and justice for the most marginalized.

That vision is the KIN-DOM we’re working to build: a world of abundance, peace, and justice.

Coined by Sister Georgene Wilson, O.S.F and later introduced into public discourse by mujerista feminist, Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz, the “Kin-dom” of God is a radical vision and statement of the world we are working to build.

It’s not a matter of simply awaiting the Kin-dom of God.

We are called to take action - to collaborate with God to move from where we are toward the Kin-dom.

This theology of collaboration with God is where CSPL, our members and leaders, make our mark.

It’s how we develop leaders, take action, and make a true change for good.

A group of people holding signs at an immigration protest. Signs include messages about immigrants' contributions and a reference to the Holy Family as immigrants.

Get Involved

We work toward the Kin-dom through our Four Pillars, 4 key collaborative strategies that drive the mission forward. Which Pillar do you most resonate with?

Create
Social Change

We act boldly together to improve lives and communities.

Explore
Liberative Theology

We help people understand
their faith differently.

Build
Power

Our power and influence is greater together.

Invest in the Movement

Your time, money, and expertise will transform communities.

free historical jesus book download

What did Jesus’ life look like 2000+ years ago?

This book is an invitation to share in that curiosity about the historical Jesus, what his life was like 2,000+ years ago, what his community experienced, what his teachings meant, and, most importantly, what they can teach us about advancing justice in our neighborhoods and communities through a community organizing framework, grounded in a deeply rooted spiritual life.

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Nave of a Church

Real People, Real Transformation

At our Congress - our annual community-wide gathering - we build friendships, share meals, pray together, and take a deep dive into CSPL’s spirituality, theology, leadership, and organizing strategies. Congress participants leave energized, renewed, prepared, and empowered to make a lasting impact in their communities.

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We are a member-led chicago faith-based non-profit

YOU ARE THE CHANGE-MAKER WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We bring together organizations, congregations, universities, parishes, and other grassroots organizations in Chicago & the western suburbs, including Proviso Township, Maywood and Melrose Park, to build power and create thriving communities. We equip people of faith with skills to build systems that advance racial, economic, social, and environmental justice through direct action.

We help people encounter the historical Jesus, a radical disruptor of the status quo. This liberation-focused faith formation better equips community leaders to build a movement that confronts power through non-violent resistance.

Together we create a strong, sustainable, member-led organization. We gather the people and money needed to win the goals of our communities.

TAKE ACTION

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300+ COMMUNITY MEMBERS WORKING TOGETHER

37 INSTITUTIONS LEADING THE WORK

2000+ LEADERS TRAINED

300+ COMMUNITY MEMBERS WORKING TOGETHER • 37 INSTITUTIONS LEADING THE WORK • 2000+ LEADERS TRAINED •

Our leaders are Making a Difference

MEET JACQUELINE

We’re forming a little circle that keeps getting bigger and bigger: Parents, kids, youth…it’s awesome to see it growing.

I see CSPL as a peace mission, a unity mission. Just being involved will help it grow. If we don’t do things as one we’ll never get things done. [CSPL] helps people work together for a common goal, which is amazing to see.

It’s been really cool to be involved in the community and step up, for everyone to see how I’ve worked, how I’ve been so mature throughout the years, and everything I’ve learned through my experiences. How I’ve been able to inspire other youth, and it’s really fun. We get to talk and work but also have fun. It’s fun to have a community. A lot of kids I know just go to school, maybe an after school program, and then go home. I’m always out in the community, and I’ve never heard of another community that’s like that, so it’s really cool to live in one.

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Black and white photograph of a diverse group of people protesting, holding signs with messages like 'No human being is illegal' and a biblical quote. A woman with a microphone speaks, and a man plays a drum. The scene takes place under an urban structure.

Get Involved

We achieve our wins through our Four Pillars, 4 key strategies that drive the mission forward. Which Pillar do you most resonate with?

Create
Social Change

We act boldly together to improve lives and communities.

Explore
Liberative Theology

We help people of faith understand Jesus differently.

Build
Power

Our power and influence is greater together.

Invest in the Movement

Your time, money, and expertise will transform communities.

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STILL NOT SURE HOW TO GET STARTED?

Click the button below to schedule a chat with a member of our staff! We would love to get you pointed in the right direction.