Bridging Faiths: The United Religious Community of St. Joseph County

At a time defined by religious division worldwide, it could be easy to overlook the remarkable organizations that are striving to transcend boundaries and bring people of different faiths together.  The United Religious Community (URC) stands as a testament to the enduring power of unity and cooperation among diverse religious traditions, as they quietly but profoundly impact lives, while striving to create a more harmonious and inclusive community.

The URC’s mission is three-fold:

  • To encourage religious cooperation and understanding.
  • To seek to effect constructive social change.
  • To serve as advocates for those seeking to meet life’s basic needs.

Since its origination in December 1942 and re-founding in 1972 as an interfaith organization, the URC has emerged in response to the growing need for unity and solidarity among various faith communities. Led by a board of directors whose members serve a 3-year term, the board is widely representative of the interfaith community of St. Joseph County and is elected by the membership of URC at its annual meeting.

The URC has come a long way since its inception but still faces many challenges in its mission to create a more just and inclusive society. The need for increased community engagement, fundraising, and outreach remains paramount. However, the organization's dedication to its core principles and its history of resilience give hope for a brighter future. It relies heavily on the dedication of religious leaders and volunteers from different faith backgrounds, as their collective efforts showcase the power of unity in action, through interfaith dialogue and collaboration.

The URC also actively engages with the community through various programs and services, providing emergency assistance to those in need. In addition to its extensive work fostering interfaith dialogue and emergency assistance, the URC has also played a significant role in refugee resettlement efforts. Recognizing the global refugee crisis as a humanitarian challenge that transcends religious and cultural boundaries, URC has also partnered with global agencies and faith communities to provide essential support to displaced individuals and families. Through its refugee resettlement initiative, the organization offers crucial services, helping to ensure that displaced people can rebuild their lives with dignity and a sense of belonging in a new community. The URC's commitment to welcoming and integrating refugees reflects its dedication to promoting compassion, empathy, and cooperation among people of different faiths.

Congratulations to Executive Director, John Pinter; board members; staff; and volunteers of the United Religious Community of St. Joseph County, the Indiana Trust Nonprofit Spotlight award recipient for December 2023! The URC is just one example of how faith-based organizations can play a pivotal role in fostering interfaith understanding, promoting social change, and serving their communities.

 
Pictured, left to right:  John Pinter, Executive Director at United Religious Community of St. Joseph County; and Tina M. Patton, CSOP™, CISM®, Vice President, Director of Nonprofit & Foundation Engagement at Indiana Trust Wealth Management.

Learn More About the United Religious Community of St. Joseph County

  • Website: https://www.urcsjc.org/
  • Donation needs and wish list:  https://www.urcsjc.org/donation-needs
  • Volunteer:  https://www.urcsjc.org/volunteer

About the Indiana Trust Nonprofit Spotlight Program

Indiana Trust Wealth Management launched the Indiana Trust Nonprofit Spotlight program initiative in January 2021, which consists of recognizing, rewarding, and promoting a nonprofit organization in one or more of the company’s footprint areas on a monthly basis, as a way to highlight various nonprofit organizations throughout the year and bring attention to the good work being done in the communities they serve. Under the Nonprofit Spotlight initiative, the nonprofit organization will receive a $1,000 corporate donation and be eligible for employee gift-matching throughout the year. David R. Kibbe, JD, President & CEO, states, “As a majority employee-owned company, matching our employees’ contributions is an opportunity for Indiana Trust to support those nonprofits whose missions connect with our employees."

About Indiana Trust Wealth Management

Chartered in 1988 as the first independent trust company in the state of Indiana, and now with more than $2 billion in assets under management, Indiana Trust is deeply committed to the communities they serve.  Advising clients and their families nationwide, Indiana Trust is dedicated to increasing financial security by providing superior, ethical, and unbiased wealth management and advisory solutions – delivering legacies built on trust.

Indiana Trust offers comprehensive wealth management strategies for individual and family wealth, business retirement plans, charitable organizations, foundations, and endowments – delivered with the fiduciary standard of care, a multigenerational commitment, and excellence in stewardship. The company is majority employee-owned with offices in Mishawaka, Elkhart, and Muncie.

Find out more at www.IndTrust.com.

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