Formation 1974 Legal status Not for profit Headquarters Illinois, United States | Type Sponsored center Website 8thDayCenter.org Founded 1974 | |
Location Chicago, Illinois
United States Membership Over 30 religious congregations Motto A Catholic Faith-Based NGO for Social Change Similar Catholics for Choice, Saint Mary‑of‑the‑Woods College, The A21 Campaign, Polaris Project | ||
8th Day Center for Justice is a Roman Catholic non-profit organization based in Chicago, Illinois. Named after the Christian concept of an eighth day, it was founded in 1974 by six congregations of religious men and women. Currently the center is advocacy-centered (primarily around Catholic social teaching) and is associated with over 40 religious communities, allowing the congregations to pool their resources for the work.
According to its mission statement, the center exists to promote "a world of right relationships in which all creation is seen as sacred and interconnected. In such a world all people are equal and free from oppression, have a right to a just distribution of resources, and to live in harmony with the cosmos."
The center and its staff have sponsored weekly silent peace vigils since 2001's September 11 attacks. It also hosts a radio show called "The 8th Day" on WLUW, Chicago. Over the years since its founding, 8th Day Center has also been involved in issues of homelessness, human trafficking, nuclear disarmament, labor rights, inclusive language, and LGBT rights.
8th Day Center for Justice has a special consultative relationship with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. In April 2010, the center was named a Human Rights Champion by the Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America.
Member congregations
Sponsoring members of 8th Day Center for Justice are:
These members help to staff the center. Longstanding staff include Sister Kathleen Desautels. In addition, 34 other congregations serve as member friends or contributing members.