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Church at the Crossroads highlights story of Palestinian Christians Last month, pastors, theologians, thought leaders and Christians gathered in Chicago for a rare and urgent assembly. The event, called Church at the Crossroads, was led by Palestinian Christians and drew together voices across evangelical, Mainline, Catholic and ecumenical traditions. Its premise was stark: The church stands at a defining moment. As violence escalates in Israel and Palestine (and as some Christians continue to use Scripture to justify war, occupation or silence), the church faces a searing question that will mark its witness for generations: “What kind of church will we be in the face of genocide?” Over the course of the three-day conference, 800 attendees (in-person and online) heard from a robust line-up of speakers that included Jemar Tisby, Lisa Sharon Harper, Anton Deik, Fares Abraham, Shane Claiborne, Lamma Mansour, Brian Zahnd, Ruth Padilla DeBorst and Munther Isaac. (Baptist News Global 10/14/25) READ MORE>>>>> Another Church Is Going Viral For Its Anti-MAGA Nativity Scene Saint Susanna Parish in Dedham, Massachusetts, went viral last week for taking Baby Jesus out of their nativity scene and replacing him with a sign that said "ICE WAS HERE." The priest of the parish, Father Stephen Josoma, told Boston 25, "We thought this was a good way to show the dynamic of what’s happening in the world today. This is a stance I’d hope all churches would take. We should be a welcoming community."Well, this appears to be a trend. Another nativity scene is going viral, and this time it's in Evanston, Illinois, at Lake Street Church. (Buzzfeed; 12.12.25)READMORE>>>>> How one conservative Christian family is pushing back against ICE At 7:30 a.m. on a chilly November morning, every member of the Luhmann family was already awake. Their cozy home, tucked into a bucolic corner of the Chicago suburbs, was bustling with activity. Six of the eight children, almost all of them homeschooled, were mostly settled in the dining room. A large, colorful quilt — hand-stitched by Audrey, their mother, to represent various names for Jesus — hung on the wall. Andrew, their father, readied to go to work at Wheaton College, the evangelical Christian school nearby, where he serves as an associate professor of geology. But Ben, 17, and Sam, 16, donned warm hoodies, said goodbye to their parents and piled into a well-loved sedan. Cranking the engine, they skirted a wild turkey that stalks their yard and headed out to find U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. (FAVS News 11/29/25) READMORE>>>> Pastors at a protest? That's the scene at anti-Trump rallies across the US. On Oct. 21, Cardinal Blase Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago, issued a statement declaring that Chicago "communities are shaken by immigration raids and detentions. These actions wound the soul of our city. Let me be clear. The Church stands with migrants." In the hours before federal immigration enforcement officials were slated to arrive in California's Bay Area, Bishop Austin K. Rios, the Episcopal Bishop of San Francisco, issued a statement that said, "when fear moves through our streets, the Church must move with something stronger. We stand with the vulnerable not because it is popular, but because it is the way of Jesus, and because when one part of our body suffers, all suffer with it." (USA Today 10/26/25) READMORE>>>> Northern Seminary Presidential Installation Goes Awry There’s a lot of confusion at Northern Seminary. According to some board members, Joy Moore, the president of the suburban Chicago seminary, resigned last week, less than a year into the job. It’s not clear whether Moore resigned or what led Northern to announce her departure a day before the seminary planned to officially install her as president. Northern named Moore its 13th president last November, the first African American to hold the job. She succeeded William Shiell, who resigned in 2023 following accusations of bullying and retaliating against staff, particularly women. (Christianity Today 10/17/25) READMORE>>>> Chicago pastor sues Trump after ICE assaults him while praying A Presbyterian minister attacked by National Guard troops during the peaceful protest of a Chicago-area migrant processing center has joined a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration’s violence against demonstrators and media. David Black, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Chicago in Woodlawn, Ill., is one of numerous plaintiffs in a federal complaint filed Oct. 6 against President Donald Trump and other U.S. officials for authorizing arbitrary and unlawful force and detentions during constitutionally protected rallies against federal immigration facilities. The action stemmed from attacks against protesters and reporters during demonstrations at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in the Chicago suburb of Broadview in September. It was there Black was shot in the head with a pepper ball projectile and gassed by troops on Sept. 19. (Baptist News Global 10/10/25) READMORE>>>> |
February 20, 2023: Christianity Today reported: When hundreds of college students at Trinity International University (TIU) pack up their dorm rooms at the end of the semester in May, they won’t be coming back to the suburban Chicago campus. Athletes won’t suit up in their white and blue Trojan uniforms anymore. Undergrads won’t get to study together in the library, share meals in the dining hall, or experience other rhythms of campus life.
December 14, 2023: Fox News reported: A teacher at Crete-Monee High School located in Chicago blasted "right-wing conspiracy theorist nut jobs" for opposing the woke indoctrination of children on a video on TikTok. The self-described "liberal" teacher, Heather Marie Godbout, regularly posts about "anti-racist education." For example, the teacher does not traditionally grade her students for equity purposes. December 15, 2022: Fox 17 reported: Christmas decorations are back in the Capitol Rotunda in Springfield, Illinois for the holiday season. The Satanic Temple of Illinois showcased a satanic display at the Capitol Rotunda. It was set up next to a Christmas tree, Nativity scene, and a menorah.
"All you right wing conspiracy theory nut jobs who seem to think the teachers are out here just indoctrinating children into some sort of woke agenda that you can't actually define, I'm just going to come clean. I am, in fact, indoctrinating your children......I'm indoctrinating children into understanding their own agency and learning how to think critically about the issues that impact their lives… I am indoctrinating children into wanting to be productive citizens of the world… So that's what I'm doing. I'm indoctrinating them. You're 100% right." --self-described "liberal" teacher, Heather Marie Godbout on TikTok |
‘This Is Not God’s Will’ — Chicago Pastor Asks for Prayer Amid ‘Trauma’ and ‘Terror’ Unleashed by Trump’s ICE Order
Just days after immigration agents dragged residents, including naked children, from an apartment complex in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, local pastor the Rev. Dr. Charlie Dates took to social media to request special prayer for his city as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents continued to “wreak havoc." “My concern is that this is a federal prelude to legalized racial profiling,” Dates said in an October 7 Instagram video. The minister, who pastors two historic local congregations, compared the abuses at the South Shore apartment building to “pre-civil rights era living in America.”
(Baptist News Global 10/10/25) READMORE>>>>
Just days after immigration agents dragged residents, including naked children, from an apartment complex in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, local pastor the Rev. Dr. Charlie Dates took to social media to request special prayer for his city as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents continued to “wreak havoc." “My concern is that this is a federal prelude to legalized racial profiling,” Dates said in an October 7 Instagram video. The minister, who pastors two historic local congregations, compared the abuses at the South Shore apartment building to “pre-civil rights era living in America.”
(Baptist News Global 10/10/25) READMORE>>>>
‘A sinking ship’: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School alumni react as it leaves Chicagoland for Canada
Alumni of the Illinois-based Trinity Evangelical Divinity School say they are saddened but not necessarily surprised by the announcement earlier this month that the seminary will leave the Chicago area and move over 2,000 miles away to Western Canada amid years of declining enrollment and financial concerns. With historic roots in the northern Chicago suburbs, TEDS entered into a commitment to become the seminary of Trinity Western University in British Columbia, one of the largest Christian universities in Canada, also aligned with the Evangelical Free Church of America. Leaving the campus of Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, the divinity school plans to hold its first classes in Canada in the fall of 2026. American students still enrolled at that point can complete their degrees online. (Christian Post 4/26/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Alumni of the Illinois-based Trinity Evangelical Divinity School say they are saddened but not necessarily surprised by the announcement earlier this month that the seminary will leave the Chicago area and move over 2,000 miles away to Western Canada amid years of declining enrollment and financial concerns. With historic roots in the northern Chicago suburbs, TEDS entered into a commitment to become the seminary of Trinity Western University in British Columbia, one of the largest Christian universities in Canada, also aligned with the Evangelical Free Church of America. Leaving the campus of Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, the divinity school plans to hold its first classes in Canada in the fall of 2026. American students still enrolled at that point can complete their degrees online. (Christian Post 4/26/25) READ MORE>>>>>
ABC Chicago adopts resolution calling for Gaza cease-fire
American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago unanimously adopted a resolution May 18 calling for an end to genocide in Gaza, the end of Israeli occupation of Palestine and an immediate cease-fire and rebuilding of Gaza. The Chicago group is the first regional body of the American Baptist Churches USA to adopt such a resolution, its news release said. (Baptist News Global 5/21/24) READ MORE>>>>>
American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago unanimously adopted a resolution May 18 calling for an end to genocide in Gaza, the end of Israeli occupation of Palestine and an immediate cease-fire and rebuilding of Gaza. The Chicago group is the first regional body of the American Baptist Churches USA to adopt such a resolution, its news release said. (Baptist News Global 5/21/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Editorial: Moody Bible case tests whether religious doctrine is a defense against workplace discrimination
As the Christian faithful gather to celebrate Easter this Sunday, a lawsuit over religious beliefs is getting new life in Chicago’s federal courts. In a March 18 decision, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with a teacher who claims Moody Bible Institute fired her because of sex discrimination. The private evangelical Christian college had sought to dismiss the complaint, saying in part that it’s forbidden based on the U.S. Constitution’s protection of religious freedom. At the heart of the dispute is a tough call about whether religious doctrine was merely a cover for illegal discrimination in the workplace. Moody has claimed that it fired Janay Garrick because she challenged the church’s teaching that only men can become clergy. Garrick has said that Moody knew her views on the topic when it hired her and that the school treated her badly because she was an outspoken woman, not because she thinks qualified people should be considered for clergy roles regardless of their gender. (Chicago Tribune 3/29/24) READ MORE>>>>>
As the Christian faithful gather to celebrate Easter this Sunday, a lawsuit over religious beliefs is getting new life in Chicago’s federal courts. In a March 18 decision, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with a teacher who claims Moody Bible Institute fired her because of sex discrimination. The private evangelical Christian college had sought to dismiss the complaint, saying in part that it’s forbidden based on the U.S. Constitution’s protection of religious freedom. At the heart of the dispute is a tough call about whether religious doctrine was merely a cover for illegal discrimination in the workplace. Moody has claimed that it fired Janay Garrick because she challenged the church’s teaching that only men can become clergy. Garrick has said that Moody knew her views on the topic when it hired her and that the school treated her badly because she was an outspoken woman, not because she thinks qualified people should be considered for clergy roles regardless of their gender. (Chicago Tribune 3/29/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Analysis: Which Christians Are Abandoning The Evangelical Label?
It may be the most toxic word in American religion — evangelical. It’s almost used as an epithet now.
I am fascinated by that, by the way, because I grew up evangelical — literally as evangelical as you can get, in a nearly 100% White Southern Baptist Church in a small town in Southern Illinois in the 1990s. That’s the epitome of evangelical. (Ryan Burge/Roys Report 11/21/23) READ MORE>>>>>
It may be the most toxic word in American religion — evangelical. It’s almost used as an epithet now.
I am fascinated by that, by the way, because I grew up evangelical — literally as evangelical as you can get, in a nearly 100% White Southern Baptist Church in a small town in Southern Illinois in the 1990s. That’s the epitome of evangelical. (Ryan Burge/Roys Report 11/21/23) READ MORE>>>>>
Thousands of Christians Call to Expel Pastor Indicted With Trump
Thousands of Christians have signed a petition for a Lutheran pastor indicted on criminal charges concerning the 2020 presidential election in Georgia to be expelled from his denomination. Illinois pastor Stephen Cliffgard Lee, a former police chaplain, was among 18 co-defendants indicted alongside former President Donald Trump in Fulton County, Georgia, last week. Lee, accused of participating in a plot to coerce election worker Ruby Freeman into falsely confessing election fraud, is facing felony charges that include racketeering, influencing a witness and conspiracy to solicit false statements and writings. (Aila Slisco/Newsweek 8/21/23)
Read More >>>>>
Thousands of Christians have signed a petition for a Lutheran pastor indicted on criminal charges concerning the 2020 presidential election in Georgia to be expelled from his denomination. Illinois pastor Stephen Cliffgard Lee, a former police chaplain, was among 18 co-defendants indicted alongside former President Donald Trump in Fulton County, Georgia, last week. Lee, accused of participating in a plot to coerce election worker Ruby Freeman into falsely confessing election fraud, is facing felony charges that include racketeering, influencing a witness and conspiracy to solicit false statements and writings. (Aila Slisco/Newsweek 8/21/23)
Read More >>>>>
May 11, 2023: WANDTV: Illinois students could soon celebrate cultural, religious identity during graduation
The Illinois House could pass a plan next week making changes to attire allowed for public school graduation. Senate Bill 1446 would requires schools to allow students to celebrate their cultural, ethnic, or religious identity during graduation ceremonies.
The Illinois House could pass a plan next week making changes to attire allowed for public school graduation. Senate Bill 1446 would requires schools to allow students to celebrate their cultural, ethnic, or religious identity during graduation ceremonies.
March 24, 2023: Christian Post: Docs show churches paid up to $100K to be part of Hillsong Family, an alleged honorarium scheme
Among the churches stateside that have paid or are currently paying since 2014 to be a part of the Hillsong Family are: The Judah Smith-led Churchome in Washington state; City of Life Church in Kissimmee, Florida; Grace City Church in Lakeland, Florida; The Cause Community in Kansas City; Chicago City Church in Illinois; Calvary Church in Miami, Florida; City of Grace in Arizona; Capital City Church in Washington, D.C.; El Lugar De Su Presencia in Arizona; Citizen Heights in Washington, D.C., Christian Faith Center in Seattle, Washington; Colonial Church in St. Augustine, Florida; and Motor City Church in Detroit, Michigan
Among the churches stateside that have paid or are currently paying since 2014 to be a part of the Hillsong Family are: The Judah Smith-led Churchome in Washington state; City of Life Church in Kissimmee, Florida; Grace City Church in Lakeland, Florida; The Cause Community in Kansas City; Chicago City Church in Illinois; Calvary Church in Miami, Florida; City of Grace in Arizona; Capital City Church in Washington, D.C.; El Lugar De Su Presencia in Arizona; Citizen Heights in Washington, D.C., Christian Faith Center in Seattle, Washington; Colonial Church in St. Augustine, Florida; and Motor City Church in Detroit, Michigan
Mar 13, 2023: Julie Roys: IL Megachurch Launches ‘Trauma-Informed’ Inquiry into Alleged Sexual Misconduct & Cover-up
A downstate Illinois megachurch, rocked by allegations its former pastor covered up his son’s sexual misconduct, has hired a lawyer to conduct an independent, “trauma-informed” investigation into what happened.
But the lawyer hired by Eastview Christian Church (ECC) in Bloomington/Normal, Illinois, was employed at Willow Creek Community Church before, during, and after the 2018 scandal involving former senior pastor Bill Hybels. This has prompted a social media influencer from Normal to question the lawyer and her law firm’s fitness for the investigative role.
A downstate Illinois megachurch, rocked by allegations its former pastor covered up his son’s sexual misconduct, has hired a lawyer to conduct an independent, “trauma-informed” investigation into what happened.
But the lawyer hired by Eastview Christian Church (ECC) in Bloomington/Normal, Illinois, was employed at Willow Creek Community Church before, during, and after the 2018 scandal involving former senior pastor Bill Hybels. This has prompted a social media influencer from Normal to question the lawyer and her law firm’s fitness for the investigative role.
Mar 7, 2023: Christian Post: Eastview Christian Church hires law firm to conduct investigation after pastor resigns
Eastview Christian Church in Illinois announced Sunday that they have hired an attorney from the law firm Wagenmaker & Oberly to conduct an investigation after Mike Baker, the church’s longtime senior pastor, recently resigned over allegations that he covered up sexual misconduct by his son, Caleb Baker, while he was an employee at the church.
Eastview Christian Church in Illinois announced Sunday that they have hired an attorney from the law firm Wagenmaker & Oberly to conduct an investigation after Mike Baker, the church’s longtime senior pastor, recently resigned over allegations that he covered up sexual misconduct by his son, Caleb Baker, while he was an employee at the church.
March 3, 2023: Christian Post: Eastview Christian Church pastor resigns after son is fired from Central Christian Church for adultery
Mike Baker, the longtime senior pastor of Eastview Christian Church in Illinois, has resigned from the megachurch weeks after his son, Caleb Baker, was fired from his job as a pastor at Central Christian Church after he was caught in an extramarital affair with another church staffer.
“Caleb Baker, our lead student pastor and associate preaching pastor has been involved in an extramarital relationship for the past six months. And it involved a woman on our staff,” Cal Jernigan, lead pastor of Central Christian Church in Phoenix, Arizona, told his congregation near the end of his sermon at the megachurch on Feb. 19.
Mike Baker, the longtime senior pastor of Eastview Christian Church in Illinois, has resigned from the megachurch weeks after his son, Caleb Baker, was fired from his job as a pastor at Central Christian Church after he was caught in an extramarital affair with another church staffer.
“Caleb Baker, our lead student pastor and associate preaching pastor has been involved in an extramarital relationship for the past six months. And it involved a woman on our staff,” Cal Jernigan, lead pastor of Central Christian Church in Phoenix, Arizona, told his congregation near the end of his sermon at the megachurch on Feb. 19.
Feb 23, 2023: United Church of Christ: Illinois churches forgive almost $6 million in medical debt statewide
The United Church of Christ continues to assist people struggling to get out from under medical debt. The latest effort touched more than 6,500 families in Illinois. They recently have received letters learning that their medical debt has been abolished, courtesy of the churches of the Illinois Conference UCC.
The United Church of Christ continues to assist people struggling to get out from under medical debt. The latest effort touched more than 6,500 families in Illinois. They recently have received letters learning that their medical debt has been abolished, courtesy of the churches of the Illinois Conference UCC.