Palmer on Mission

On Thanksgiving weekend 1973, 53 evangelical faith leaders, representing a wide swath of denominations, signed the “Chicago Declaration of Evangelical Social Concern.” Its drafting was driven by increasing concern over divisions forming between Christian faith, and a commitment to social justice. The Chicago Declaration called for the rejection of racism, economic injustice, violence, and sexism. Under the leadership of Dr. Ron Sider, it became the founding document for Christians for Social Action (CSA), formerly Evangelicals for Social Action. On November 29, 2023, Rev. Dr. Kimberlee A. Johnson, Dean of Palmer Seminary and College, traveled to Wheaton College joining the 50th anniversary celebration of the Chicago Declaration’s signing.

"The Chicago Declaration was a multi-generational event 50 years ago.  It was an honor to have three of the original signers in the room with us (Jim Wallis, Ruth Bentley, and Wesley Granberg-Michaelson). It was also exciting to hear from the next generation of scholar-activists working at the intersection of Christian faith and environmental justice (Ben Lowe, CSA board member), gender justice (Amy Reynolds), and racial justice (Nathan Cartagena),” says Executive Director Nikki Toyama-Szeto. 

Amy Reynolds, Associate Professor of Sociology at Wheaton College, writes “There’s a sense of illumination that these are people who just felt convicted to do something—convicted to speak. And they were doing this all in their free time and with no money. Then they meet over Thanksgiving weekend! If you asked me to come to some meeting over Thanksgiving, it would be a “no.” I’m hanging out with my kids, right? Their conviction really comes through to me.”

How can a look back at history help inform Christian activism of today? You can read Dr. Reynolds’ “The Importance of the Chicago Declaration,” and further reflections on the Chicago Declaration’s contemporary resonance by Christina Edmundson, Lisa Sharon Harper, John Dear, and Carol R. Cool at https://christiansforsocialaction.org/.  As Palmer’s centennial slowly approaches, we hold fast to our historical commitment to sharing the whole Gospel for the whole world through whole persons. 

*Dr. Ron Sider (1939-2022) held the longest faculty tenure in Palmer Theological Seminary history as Emeritus Professor of Theology, Holistic Ministry, and Public Policy.  Dr. Sider was the founder of The Sider Center on Ministry and Public Policy at Palmer Seminary, which houses Christians for Social Action (CSA).  The Chicago Declaration and Dr. Sider’s papers are housed at Wheaton College Archives.