Illinois

A federal judge that oversees central Illinois threw out an atheist’s lawsuit that demanded the return of a $20,000 state grant used towards restoring a giant 111-foot cross.

U.S. District Court Judge Michael McCuskey rejected on Tuesday plaintiff Rob Sherman’s argument that the grant was unconstitutional because it was taken from $5 million designated for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The grant, unlike Sherman’s allegation, was found to be made at the discretion of the Illinois’ executive branch and was not a legislative “earmark” as the atheist activist asserted.

Sherman had filed the lawsuit last August against the 501(c)(3) Friends of the Cross, the State of Illinois, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Gov. Pat Quinn and DCEO Director Warren Ribley in regards to the $20,000 state grant given to restore Bald Knob Cross of Peace near Alto Pass in southern Illinois. more >>

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed a same-sex civil unions bill into law on Monday to the objection of traditional marriage advocates.

David E. Smith, executive director of the Illinois Family Institute said recognizing civil unions is merely a stepping stone to legalizing same-sex marriage.

"Marriage was not created by man or governments," Smith asserted. "It is an institution created by God. Governments merely recognize its nature and importance." more >>

The "Tiger Mom" continues to ruffle up some feathers with even churches getting in on the debate of what makes for good parenting.

Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill., – one of the largest churches in the country – hosted clinical psychologist Dr. Henry Cloud this past weekend to get his response to author Amy Chua's parenting style.

"A lot of it is pretty psycho," Cloud said at the megachurch, particularly appalled, like many others, that Chua rejected a birthday card from her youngest daughter. The Chinese-American mother felt her daughter didn't put enough thought and effort into making the card. more >>

Chicago pastors, ministers and political figures gathered at Freedom Baptist Church in Hillside, Ill., to establish Martin Luther King, Jr. as a man of God and a leader who fought for the civil rights of African-Americans.

At the same time, they made it clear that King was not a champion for gay rights.

The group, which largely consisted of African-Americans, gathered Monday to speak out and commune together at a luncheon. Most of the concerns shared were that of "deep concern" over legislation connecting gay rights to the civil rights movement – which helped secure voting rights and end the discrimination that was rampant in the south. more >>

A Hispanic Christian leadership group endorsed on Wednesday an Illinois pastor in the Chicago mayoral race in the hopes of expanding the political voice of the Hispanic evangelical movement.

The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference endorsed Wilfredo De Jesus’ bid for Chicago’s mayoral seat. De Jesus is the senior pastor of New Life Covenant Church in Humboldt Park.

"Pastor Wilfredo's candidacy speaks to the growth of our community as it pertains to extending our commitment to righteousness and justice beyond the pulpit,” NHCLC president the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez said in a statement. more >>

Correction appended

Liesl Lawrence of Georgetown, Texas, was named the 2010 National Bible Bee senior division champion on Saturday, taking home a trophy and the coveted prize of $100,000.

Lawrence gave the top performance, beating out second place winner Mallory Powell of Linden, Tenn., who took home $25,000 and third place winner Mark Heimann of Wexford, Pa., who took home $15,000. more >>