The religious community

The varied religious communities in our state have played the role of the provider of many of the daily necessities for members of our community. If we are to build sustainable communities geared towards social justice we cannot overlook their contribution. How can we in the design field work with religious communities to further outreach and increase positive outcomes? Is working with religious organizations a worthy goal? What do you think?

Here are links to a few religious organizations working in the community.


Office of Social Justice, Catholic Charities
The mission of the Office of Social Justice (OSJ) is to serve those most in need by calling for justice. OSJ serves the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis as its primary resource and catalyst for the work of social justice.

Minnesota Council of Churches
The Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC) brings together people of faith to strengthen communities. Its mission is to manifest unity in the church and to build the common good in the world.

Minnesota Catholic Conference
The Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) is the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Minnesota. The MCC works with state and federal policy makers to ensure the material and moral well-being of all Minnesotans.

Joint Religious Legislative Coalition
JRLC strives to further the cause of social justice in Minnesota by proposing and promoting responsible legislation; assisting congregations in the task of discerning and teaching God's vision of justice; and calling communities of faith to prophetic, unified action.

Jewish Community Relations Council
Since 1939, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC) has served as the designated public affairs voice of the Jewish community to elected officials, the media, and other religious, racial and ethnic groups. JCRC is the only local agency fighting anti-Semitism, advocating for Israel, safeguarding religious freedom, and engaging in community service and social action advocacy for tikkun olam (”repairing the world”).

Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy in Minnesota
Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy in Minnesota, in response to God's love, seeks to engage all people of faith in the promotion of public policy that supports peace, justice and care for all of God's creation.