Illinois congregations in familiar territory as new mitigations take effect
Increases in testing positivity rates and hospitalizations triggered Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigations Nov. 20, closing indoor dining, theaters, and museums. Churches were not mentioned specifically in the mitigations, but congregations across Illinois again weighed competing priorities in deciding whether to stay open for in-person worship services, with some transitioning temporarily back to online worship.
>Related: Kentucky churches respond to governor’s request to shut down in-person services
Americans find reasons for thanksgiving in difficult year
More than 4-in-5 Americans say they are thankful for their family, topping a list of reasons for gratitude in 2020. Health (69%), friends (63%), memories (63%), and personal freedom (53%) round out the top five in the list compiled by LifeWay Research. Compared to a survey in 2016, though, fewer people expressed thankfulness for almost all the reasons, LifeWay noted.
Nevada protects same-sex marriage, exempts clergy from ceremonies
The state of Nevada added protection for same-sex marriages to its constitution in November, but also exempted clergy from participating in the ceremonies. The constitutional amendment—approved by 62.5% of voters—institutionalizes the right to same-sex marriage regardless of the 2015 Supreme Court decision legalizing it nationwide. “We did appreciate the protections that they were putting for pastors who would refuse to conduct same-sex marriage,” said Kevin White, executive director of the Nevada Baptist Convention, “but at the same time, we’re deeply concerned that these protections could easily be removed and place biblical pastors in legal battles that could destroy churches financially.”
LGBT group challenges accreditation for Christian schools
The Human Rights Campaign has proposed 85 legislative recommendations for Joe Biden’s potential administration, including stripping accreditation from Christian colleges that uphold policies opposing homosexuality. Southern Seminary President Albert Mohler said such a move would devastate Christian schools, The Christian Post reported. “If the Human Rights Campaign achieves its policy goals, religious institutions will either be coerced into capitulation over fundamental religious and theological doctrines, or they will be marginalized.”
Baptists commission 79 new missionaries in virtual service
Dozens of new missionaries will serve through the International Mission Board after the Southern Baptist agency’s virtual Sending Celebration Nov. 18. The missionaries come from 21 states and will serve in eight of IMB’s nine global affinity groups. Video testimonies from all 79 missionaries are available for viewing at imb.org/send.
Sources: Illinois Baptist, Baptist Press, LifeWay Research, Christian Post