Illinois
Our Lady of Guadalupe shrine in Illinois raising funds to repair arson damage
By Alejandra Molina — May 25, 2023
(RNS) — A fire Tuesday damaged several statues, art pieces and the outdoor Chapel of the Resurrected Christ, also known as the “Altar of Miracles."
Marymount California University, a half-century-old Catholic school, to shut down
By Alejandra Molina — April 26, 2022
(RNS) — The board of trustees said it voted to close the university on Aug. 31, citing declining enrollment, rising costs of the pandemic and a lack of financial resources.
Illinois marks ‘Muhammad Ali Day’ as boxer’s legacy continues
By Joseph Hammond — January 14, 2022
(RNS) — The date chosen, Ali’s birthday, happens to fall this year on the observance of Martin Luther King Day.
Catholic bishop criticizes Satanic Temple holiday display at Illinois Statehouse
By Heather Greene — December 21, 2021
(RNS) — A swaddled baby version of the deity Baphomet sits alongside a Christmas tree, the Nativity scene and a menorah.
Ilhan Omar named ‘American Muslim Public Servant of 2021’ by CAIR
By Joseph Hammond — December 7, 2021
(RNS) — In her acceptance speech, Omar acknowledged it had been a ‘very difficult week’ as the political feud between her and Rep. Lauren Boebert continued to draw headlines.
After last year’s COVID closures, pilgrimages resume to honor Virgin of Guadalupe
By Alejandra Molina — December 3, 2021
(RNS) — This year, with more people vaccinated against COVID-19, Catholics across the country are once again gathering for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who has been a source of hope for many Latinos throughout the pandemic.
Human trafficking suit spreads to Hindu temples in 5 states
By David Porter — November 11, 2021
A lawsuit in which workers accuse a Hindu organization of human trafficking by luring them from India to build a temple in New Jersey for as little as $1.20 a day has widened to four other states. In the initial lawsuit filed in May, workers at a Hindu temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey, claimed leaders […]
Illinois passes legislation to allow student athletes to wear hijab without waivers
By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 24, 2021
(RNS) — The Inclusive Athletic Attire Act allows all student athletes to modify their uniforms in keeping with their religion, culture or personal preferences for modesty.
The (national) fall and (local) rise of pro-life Democrats
By Charles C. Camosy — May 10, 2019
(RNS) — The evisceration of pro-life Democrats from Congress is all but complete, but on the local level Democratic parties are increasingly committed to a diversity of opinion on abortion.
Illinois investigation finds 500 more clergy abuse cases
By The Associated Press — December 19, 2018
(AP) — Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan says her office has found 500 more Catholic clergy accused of sexually abusing children than the state’s six archdioceses have publicly identified.
All Illinois Catholic dioceses targeted in sex abuse lawsuit
By Don Babwin — October 19, 2018
CHICAGO (AP) — Three men and one woman who say they were sexually abused by priests decades ago filed a lawsuit Thursday against every diocese in Illinois for an alleged ongoing scheme to cover up sexual assault by priests.
Seven states launch investigations in wake of Pennsylvania clergy sex abuse report
By Jack Jenkins — September 6, 2018
(RNS) — Law enforcement officials in at least seven states appear to be launching their own inquiries of their Catholic dioceses, focusing on church files thought to contain decades of allegations of child sex abuse by priests.
Willow Creek pastor Bill Hybels denies claims of inappropriate behavior
By RNS staff — March 23, 2018
(RNS) — The senior pastor of one of the nation's largest megachurches has been the subject of inquiries into allegations of inappropriate behavior with women in his congregation and on its staff.
Thousands visit human remains of youngest Catholic saint near Chicago
By Reuters — October 15, 2015
ORLAND PARK, Ill. (Reuters) The skeleton of Maria Goretti, an 11-year-old girl who was stabbed to death during an attempted rape in 1902, was encased in a wax statue lying inside a clear glass coffin. Viewers waited for hours to approach the display, and many were moved to tears.
Catholic priest with a taste for ‘self-bondage’ returned to ministry
By Tim Townsend — September 17, 2013
(RNS) Last November, the Rev. Thomas Donovan called 911to say he needed police help to free himself. Police found him wearing an orange jumpsuit and “a leather bondage-type mask with a bar in his mouth.”
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