Pastor makes urgent plea for churchgoers to stay at home during the pandemic
Pastor Reginald Sharpe Jr. of Fellowship Baptist Church talks about going viral for his adamant stance against reopening in-person services at his church during the pandemic.
Trump says churches should reopen this weekend, Pritzker and Lightfoot say no
President Donald Trump is ordering all churches and places of worship to reopen this Memorial Day weekend. But that order will have little effect in Illinois.
Trump deems houses of worship 'essential,' calls on governors to allow them to reopen
Trump said if governors don’t abide by his request, he will “override” them, though it’s unclear what authority he has to do so.
Chicago churches fined $500 for defying social-distancing restrictions
The Chicago Police Department has fined three churches $500 each for defying coronavirus social distancing restrictions by holding in-person services, making good on Mayor Lori Lighftoot’s warning that the city would “be taking action” against them.
Chicago pastor's sermon goes viral amid coronavirus pandemic
A Chicago pastor is taking a different stance on reopening and his sermon about it is going viral.
New York pastor threatened with $1,000 fine for holding drive-in church service
A New York church with 40 members held a drive-in service Sunday after being warned by police that it was a violation of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's stay-at-home order amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Chicago churches split on obeying stay-at-home order
Some churches continue to defy Illinois’ stay-at-home order, saying they have found ways to reopen safely.
Priest uses squirt gun to shoot holy water and maintain social distancing
A priest in Detroit has been using a squirt gun to dispense holy water and maintain social distancing.
Some churches reopen but skip singing after report of mass outbreak after choir practice
Some churches are reopening but will skip the singing for now, especially after a report shows that 87% of the members of a church choir became infected after a single practice in March.
Poll: 63% of religious Americans believe COVID-19 pandemic is message from God for humanity to change
A poll of 1,002 adults was conducted April 30-May 4 that found that 31% of Americans who believe feel strongly that the virus is a sign from God telling humanity to change.
Chicago church defies mayor, plans Sunday service amid COVID-19 pandemic
As the stay-at-home order nears its second straight month, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is trying to stop churchgoers from defying it.
Local churches, Dr. Willie Wilson mount new challenge to Governor Pritzker
We have told you about individual churches going against Governor JB Pritzker's stay-at-home order. But now, a group of 100 local pastors are joining forces saying it is time to open back up.
Federal judge rejects Illinois churches' challenge to stay-at-home order
A federal judge on Wednesday rejected a challenge to Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s authority to impose stay-at-home orders on churches in the battle against the coronavirus.
Albany Park church holds Sunday service despite governor's orders
Pastor Christian Ionescu of Elim Romanian Pentecostal Church talks about his decision to hold service for parishioners against the statewide guidance on gatherings of more than 10 people.
Chicago church service on Mother's Day attracts 200 people
More than 200 people left their homes on Mother's Day and went to church, and leaders at the Albany Park church who hosted the service say they will do it again.
Chicago-area priest appointed coadjutor of the Diocese of Peoria
Pope Francis announced Monday that he has named suburban Chicago priest Rev. Louis Tylka to be the coadjutor bishop of Peoria.
Elgin church draws ire of Gov. Pritzker with decision to open ahead of state mandate
Jeremy Dys, attorney from First Liberty Institute, talks about why Northwest Bible Baptist Church refuses to adhere to Gov. Pritzker's ban on gatherings of 10 or more people.
Elgin church plans to reopen this month, defying governor's order
Lawyers for a church in Elgin say it is their constitutional right to meet, even during a pandemic.
Pastor talks about decision to defy Pritzker's stay-at-home order
Pastor Steve Cassell of Beloved Church in Lena elaborates on his decision to hold services in defiance of Gov. Pritzker's stay-at-home order.
‘God is a superhero’: Little girl delivers passionate sermon from home amid pandemic
4-year-old Grace delivers a passionate sermon from her Alabama home.