A few years ago, a dream began to take root inside the minds and hearts of the leaders of University Church. We dreamed that there would be a space inside of our building that was safe, loving, and warm – expected characteristics of any church – but also justice-seeking, full of art, and committed to offering welcome and affirmation to all who enter. We thought that, because of the rhythm of the university and because University Church already has a Sunday service to offer these things, that it would be best to make this space publicly available every day of the week. An opportunity was presented to us to house a café and connected arts organization, which fit both our hopes for our building and our desire to strengthen community connections. Many of you remember these first partners and the café Fabiana’s Bakery.
Quickly we learned how difficult it is to manage a café inside a church (these are both two things that are incredibly difficult to manage on their own!), and our first partners moved to greener pastures, with lessons learned by all parties involved. As we dusted ourselves off, wiser for the encounter, another partner – Stories Connect – came forward with a proposal to embody our values in a concept called “Sanctuary Cafe.” Sanctuary Cafe would provide not only delicious food but a great atmosphere enriched by moving art. Add to this that every employee would be paid $15/hour, and we saw that we could have something really special. In many ways, Sanctuary Cafe delivered on these promises and fulfilled those dreams. Everyone reading this has experienced Sanctuary Cafe and knows first hand how great of an idea it is.
But alas – as you may know in your own life – all good dreams require more than their inherent goodness to thrive. The church needs to cover facility costs and the cafe couldn’t meet the payments that it had agreed to. The church became limited in how we could practice hospitality and community-building within our congregation, and that was deeply felt.
While we sat to negotiate these and other issues, the church offered a new space-use agreement to Stories Connect/Sanctuary Cafe, taking these concerns into consideration — an agreement that they did not sign. We then found out that the church isn’t even zoned for a business such as a café, which exposes us to serious legal risks. This finally prompted the church’s decision to end our business relationship with the organization and café as of March 31, 2019. The church requested that Sanctuary Cafe cease operations inside the church by April 19, so as to give time for the employees to find other work if needed.
Against University Church’s wishes, Sanctuary Cafe made its own decision to remain open on April 20, under no legal contract or agreement with the church. This put our church at extraordinary risk, beyond and above what the city, state, church leaders, church lawyers or denominational/governing church bodies would allow. As you are reading this, University Church and Stories Connect/Sanctuary Cafe are still not under any agreement together, and the church is pursuing necessary legal measures to fulfill our responsibilities as good stewards of our building, congregation, and finances.
We acknowledge the good that Sanctuary Cafe has already done for and with the community — good that was born out of ideals we hold dear. We also lament the end of this partnership, which will undoubtedly affect many of you in ways unseen. While the cafe cannot continue in its current iteration, and the church does not have the capacity or desire to manage a cafe on its own, we are thankful, hopeful, and looking forward to continuing to use our space to offer love and warmth to all who enter.
As a member of the congregation, it is important you know about this ongoing situation and continue to trust that your church leadership values transparency, care, and our wise legal advice. This is a difficult balance, and if you have concerns or questions, please reach out to Pastor Julian DeShazier – julian@universitychurchchicago.org or Sarah Jones, Board Moderator sarahjones@go.mccormick.edu.
May God bless and keep all of us and bring us peace,
Rev. Julian DeShazier
Pastor
Sarah Jones
Board Moderator
Vince Cole
Minister of Housing
