Congregations Acting for Justice and Empowerment (CAJE) is a nonprofit group of 27 local faith communities, representing people from all walks of life in Vanderburgh, Posey and Warrick counties in southwestern Indiana.

We’re Protestants, Catholics, Hindus, Muslims and Unitarian Universalists, working together to create a more equitable community for all people.

We are process-driven. We work methodically to identify problems and research their causes. We develop practical, evidence-based solutions to systemic injustice. And we empower people to hold officials accountable for true, long-lasting change.

We’re not simply advocates for needed change—we are change-makers. And we’re making a difference.

20 Transformative Years

As CAJE enters its third decade of working for systemic change, we give thanks for the wins we have achieved… and for the people who came together from different faith traditions to found our organization.

 History

In early 2001, some local religious leaders began discussing how their congregations might better help struggling families. Their churches were active in works of charity, providing clothing, food, bus tokens, and rent and utility assistance. But charity did not address the injustices causing their neighbors’ struggles.
A member of the group, Clark Field, had learned that a network of congregations in Louisville (CLOUT) was using direct action in the tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to solve community problems. The group traveled to Louisville to learn more and were connected to CLOUT’s consultant, DART (Direct Action Research Training).
In May of that year, DART led a “Rethinking Justice” workshop for local pastors. It spurred a core group of clerics and laity to begin a direct action organization in Evansville. Over the next year they laid the groundwork, developing bylaws and acquiring non-profit status.  In October 2002, with assistance from DART, they hired a professional organizer.   
In September 2003, members of the group articulated their shared commitment to a social justice in a covenant.  They took the name CAJE—Congregations Acting for Justice and Empowerment.  They held their first Nehemiah Action in March 2004, standing up for better housing code enforcement and for dental care. They won more inspections to ensure decent, safe housing. Although the first ask for dental care was denied, they persisted and eventually won.
CAJE continues to be a clear voice of conscience speaking up for the poor and marginalized in the greater Evansville community. Our work on the issues has resulted in important wins for struggling families.

• We pushed for and won the addition of a bus route serving the Highway 41 North corridor for employees who commute to work. (2012)

• We gained agreement at the county level and pressed the state on shoring up Vanderburgh County’s drug court—securing needed funding for this innovative, highly effective program. (2012)

• We pushed officials to fund re-entry case managers for Aurora Housing— vital assistance for offenders to find housing and employment upon release. The program works: the recidivism rate for Vanderburgh County is less than half the state’s average.

• Our sweat and tears on behalf of children with a dual diagnosis won the creation of a community task force. More recently, we have secured a promise from Evansville for funding needed services. We continue to press and will not rest until the promise becomes a reality. (2017 to present)

• City leaders heard and answered our demands for first-responders to carry and administer the Narcan to overdose victims, saving untold numbers of lives. (2013 to 2017)

• We pressed city leaders and won agreement to endow and strengthen the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Every dollar in this fund leverages five more for the rehab and/or construction of housing for low-income families. Funding and commitments to date total $11.5 million. (2018 to present)

• CAJE leaders traveled to San Antonio, Texas, and saw first-hand the life- and money-saving benefits of crisis care and jail diversion. We continue to press local officials to make this common-sense investment for the well-being of our community. (20xx to present)

• We pressed for and won a two-year contract with National Network for Safe Communities. Thought leaders on gun violence are working with local community leaders on best practices to mitigate gun violence in Evansville (2020 to Present).

Our Members

CAJE is managed by a staff of community organizers and a board of directors drawn from our member organizations. We comprise 27 faith communities, representing over 10,000 people in southwestern Indiana.

First Presbyterian Church of Evansville

Bethlehem United Church of Christ

Cleaves Memorial CME Church

Corpus Christi Catholic Church

Islamic Society of Evansville

Nazarene Baptist Church

Patchwork Central 

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

St. Wendel Catholic Church/St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church

Tri-State Hindu Temple

Bethel United Church of Christ

Zion Missionary Baptist Church

All Saints Catholic Church

Central United Methodist Church

Community of Christ Church

Holy Redeemer Catholic Church

St. Peter’s (Highland) United Church of Christ

Mt. Olive Galilee Baptist Church   

Old North United Methodist Church

St. Benedict Cathedral

St. Lucas United Church of Christ

Sts. Mary & John Catholic Church

Unitarian Universalist Church of Evansville

Independence Baptist

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church