Illinois Baptist Conflicting guidelines confuse relaunch plans Illinois | Despite President Donald Trump’s declaration that churches across the country should reopen, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has not loosened limits on church gatherings in the state. In a May 26 press conference, though, Pritzker did appear to welcome churches to submit their plans for reopening safely. “I think it’s vitally important,” Pritzker SAMMY SIMMONS said of allowing people to worship. “All we want to make sure is when they do it that they’re safe.” Under Pritzker’s “Restore Illinois” plan, church gatherings would continue to be limited to 10 people or fewer through most of June. Phase 4, which could start in late June, would increase the cap to 50. Many church leaders have said the limits on church gatherings are too stringent,
JUNE 1, 2020 Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Peoria, Illinois Permit No. 325
Vol. 114 No. 8
A dad’s ultimate test of patience P. 13
Slowly, but surely
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News journal of the Illinois Baptist State Association
Small children in quarantine
news
PLUS: Illinois churches engage in effective ministry during the pandemic. P. 8-9
in focus
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MISSION
Churches take action To meet urgent needs P. 8
CAPITOL WATCH
Mandatory reporting Enforcement expected
Hopeless hippies
Until they met Mrs. Watson
IB
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Online all the time IllinoisBaptist.org
NATE ADAMS
Turn, turn, turn Why it’s time to pivot P. 2