Racine Interfaith Coalition (RIC), founded in 1993, describes itself as a “nonprofit organization made up of 27 congregations or affiliates who are united in our belief in the inherent value of every individual and our shared obligation to create a fairer, more equitable, and more just community.”
In 2021, the Lepanto Institute reported on RIC due to its membership in the Gamaliel National Network, a network of affiliate organizations with financial ties to a large Pro-Abortion initiative. RIC is still a member of Gamaliel to this day.
Despite this, however, RIC has been a grant recipient of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, receiving grants of either $45,000 or $50,000 every fiscal year between 2018 and 2023.
Our investigation into RIC uncovered a disturbing trend of collaboration with and participation in homosexual and transgender (LGBT) organizations and events, as well as a massive conflict of interest regarding the Democratic Party and RIC’s “Turn Out the Vote” efforts.
Support for Homosexuality, Transgenderism and the Democratic Party
In November of 2022, Racine Interfaith Coalition posted a “sponsor appreciation” post to Facebook, where they thanked their “wonderful” 2022 sponsors. Listed among these sponsors is The LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin.
The Facebook post also includes a link to RIC’s 2022 Annual Report, which includes an advertisement for The LGBT Center.
RIC would continue to advertise The LGBT Center in its annual reports again in 2023 and 2024.
The LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin officially shut down in 2025, but an archived version of its website from 2022 describes the center’s vision as “An inclusive, thriving community where LGBTQ+ people are welcomed and affirmed.”
The same November 2022 RIC Facebook post also lists The Democratic Party of Racine County as a sponsor. This is certainly alarming, as RIC often engages in local get out the vote efforts, making this sponsorship a massive conflict of interest for a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
RIC’s own website lists “Turn up the Vote Task Force” as one of its four main task force focuses. Stating that “Racine Interfaith Coalition has been involved in non-partisan voter outreach through its Turn up the Vote (TUTV) program since 2011, but the effort went into high gear during 2020, even with the limitations brought on by the pandemic. They continue their work year long and especially in 2022 closer to the midterms.”
RIC’s annual reports for 2021 and 2023 both include advertisements for the Racine County Democratic Party.
In June of 2023, Racine Interfaith Coalition co-sponsored an “LGBTQ+ and Racial & Social Justice” event, held by The Passions Movement.
Quotes from The Passions Movement’s organization page advertising the event:
“Be you. Be celebrated. That is the call to action put forth by THE PASSIONS MOVEMENT. In partnership with the Racine Interfaith Coalition (RIC), and Racine Educators United (REU), art activist Heidi Wagner captures the stories and passions of local BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community members & Case High School students in an art-based, community-impact photo installation.” [Emphasis added]
“The exhibit combines art with individuals’ stories to create a new narrative around living with passion and purpose inclusive of all races, creeds, genders, and gender identities to help build safe, inclusive schools and Racine community.“
A Facebook post from The Passions Movement advertising the event, includes a photo of children with their two “mothers.”
Conclusion
Based on the evidence presented, Racine Interfaith Coalition demonstrates a clear commitment to advancing progressive social agendas, particularly concerning homosexuality and transgenderism.
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development claims to maintain a rigorous vetting process for funding recipients. However, the repeated allocation of resources to organizations like RIC continues to prove that the CCHD is either dangerously negligent in their review procedure, or are actively complicit in funding organizations that work against the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church.
