Church Women United in Illinois records

Historical note

Church Women United in Illinois (CWUI) is the state chapter of the national organization, Church Women United (CWU). Formed in 1941, CWU is an ecumenical movement of interdenominational Christian women from diverse racial, ethnic, age, and economic backgrounds. The fundamental purpose of CWU is to bring Christian women together, united in their faith, to work towards the betterment of the community and the development of women’s full potential in society. CWUI originated in 1931 as the Illinois Council of Federated Church Women. The non-profit organization changed its name to the Illinois Council of Church Women in 1936, and then to the United Council of Church Women in 1941. In 1956, it was renamed United Church Women, and officially became Church Women United in Illinois in 1967 and affiliated with CWU. The Church Women United in Illinois (CWUI) Records span from 1912 to 1999, with the bulk of material from 1980 to 1998. The collection is organized into seven series, arranged thematically, and no subseries. The material pertains mainly to the organization and administration of the CWUI and includes the records of the Executive Board, local affiliate handbooks, information on state assemblies, area programming, the group’s history, 50th anniversary, and public activities (i.e., World Day of Prayer and Farm Worker Ministry.)