Political Quotes

“I rise today to honor an unapologetic faith-rooted leader, Reverend Ciera Bates-Chamberlain. Born and raised in Chicago's South Side, Reverend Bates-Chamberlain is the founder and executive director of Live Free, where she mobilizes Black churches to improve public safety and transform the justice system. Since I first met Reverend Bates-Chamberlain through faith-based advocacy, I have seen her build coalitions and power to realize peace and justice in Chicago and beyond. She helped found the Faith Over Fear Coalition, a multifaith, grassroots table of leaders and organizations across Chicago committed to spiritually rooted organizing that centers dignity, healing, and justice. Through her organizing, people are standing in solidarity, across faiths and communities, to resist the fear that divides us. Today, on behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I am proud to commend Reverend Ciera Bates-Chamberlain for her commitment to put her faith into action and to build the power of Black churches and multifaith coalitions to realize a more just and loving world. We thank Reverend Bates-Chamberlain and congratulate her.”