Illinois Baptists lose religious freedom case, expect to appeal
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A circuit judge in Springfield has ruled against the Illinois Baptist State Association in a suit to protect IBSA from requirements to provide employees with insurance benefits that cover abortion. The ruling, saying the Illinois Reproductive Health Act did not violate IBSA’s religious freedom, came more than four years after IBSA filed suit.
Chicago church takes prayer to the streets
CHICAGO (BP) -- Phillip Griffin had an idea. Or what some might call more of an inspiration. The Men’s Sunday school teacher felt led by God to spend time outside of his church’s four walls on Sunday mornings. But not away from the church – on the church property itself.
After tornado cancels Easter outreach, Illinois church shifts gears to serve
SHERMAN, Ill. (BP) – Living Faith Baptist Church had planned to host its annual Easter Palooza outreach event on April 1. Thousands of plastic Easter eggs had been filled with candy, cakes were baked for the cake walk, and church members had packed hundreds of grab-and-go sack lunches for the 300-500 kids who were expected to attend. But a tornado that struck the night before prompted a big change in plans.
Illinois General Assembly repeals parental notification
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (BP) – The Illinois General Assembly removed what was essentially the last effective means of regulating abortion in the state when it repealed the Parental Notice Act. Efforts to repeal the requirement failed in the spring legislative session, but it was brought back on short notice in the fall veto session.
Chicago pastors seek prayer to end violence
CHICAGO (BP) – Pastors are calling for prayer after the long July Fourth holiday weekend came to a violent end with at least 108 people shot in Chicago, 17 fatally.
