IBSA News

Illinois Baptist State Newspaper

Evangelicals blamed for vaccine fear, but pastors, leaders promote shots

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Some in the media are warning the COVID-19 pandemic may last longer than necessary due to members of the evangelical community refusing a vaccine due to spiritual convictions or uncertainty regarding vaccine safety. An article headlined “How white evangelicals’ vaccine refusal could prolong the pandemic” appeared in the April 5 issue of the New York […]

Poll: Illinoisans not in favor of repealing parental notice

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A new poll shows the majority of Illinoisans do not support a bill calling for the repeal of the Parental Notice Act, which requires minor females to notify a parent or guardian before obtaining an abortion. The Repeal the Parental Notice of Abortion Act (HB 1797 and SB 2190) was introduced in the Illinois General […]

Lawmakers to debate mandatory K-12 sex ed

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Illinois legislators will soon consider a proposal to mandate sex education for public school students in kindergarten through 12th grade. But many Christians worry the legislation further mainstreams LGBTQ lifestyles and introduces support for abortion in the minds of children as early as third grade. The Illinois Responsible Education for Adolescent and Children’s Health (REACH) […]

Religious liberty concerns expressed as Equality Act moves forward

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Christian leaders continued to express concern over the Equality Act as the Senate Judiciary Committee met to hear testimony from the bill’s supporters and opponents. The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention submitted written testimony expressing concern the bill would contradict the “fundamental liberties” guaranteed in the Bill of Rights […]

Equality Act threatens religious freedoms

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Christian leaders are concerned about the loss of religious freedom, expansion of federal abortion funding, diminished protection for women, and the impact on hiring practices by Christian organizations under HR5, the Equality Act, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives Feb. 25. The vote was 224-206, almost totally along party lines. The bill goes to […]