HISTORY

UCM was established in early 2000 with six churches. With technical assistance and training from the Gamaliel Foundation, we have grown to represent over 25 congregations with approximately 25,000 members.

Our member congregations represent the full range of communities in southwestern Illinois: older urban communities and new suburban areas, white, African-American and Hispanic, wealthy and impoverished.

Our coalition is unique: we are faith-based, and yet we transcend the often narrow range of people in individual congregations and communities. We are multi-cultural, made of up many faiths, and inclusive of all ethnic groups and economic classes in the area.