Chicago
Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago reinstates Rev. Michael Pfleger after past sex abuse allegations
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 24, 2021
CHICAGO (RNS) — The Rev. Michael Pfleger, 71, will return to his position as senior pastor of the Faith Community of St. Sabina in Chicago on June 5, according to a letter from Cardinal Blase Cupich.
At nationwide rallies, Christians stand up for Asian Americans
By Emily McFarlan Miller, Alejandra Molina, and Roxanne Stone — March 29, 2021
CHICAGO (RNS) — An estimated 5,000 people attended Sunday’s rallies in 14 US cities, including Chicago, Atlanta, LA and New York.
Meet Bushra Amiwala: The US’ youngest elected Muslim officeholder
By Joseph Hammond — March 19, 2021
(RNS) — Amiwala's age and status as the youngest elected Muslim official and the only one wearing a hijab in the state of Illinois have brought her fame not normally associated with being elected to a school board.
Chicago parish fiercely backs priest after sex abuse claims
By Sophia Tareen — March 15, 2021
CHICAGO (AP) — "Father Pfleger is our family," said St. Sabina parishioner Pam Bosley. "We are not going to stop. We need him back."
Brothers accuse prominent Chicago priest of sexual abuse
By Michael Tarm — January 26, 2021
(RNS) — A Sunday statement from the Rev. Michael Pfleger’s private attorneys said the allegations were false.
Episcopal Diocese of Chicago elects the Rev. Paula Clark, its first Black and first female bishop
By Emily McFarlan Miller — December 14, 2020
(RNS) — Clark, a native of Washington, D.C., is canon to the ordinary and chief of staff in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.
Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration near Chicago, largest in US, canceled due to COVID-19
By Alejandra Molina — November 24, 2020
(RNS) — More than 200,000 devotees normally attend the celebration, some walking barefoot and carrying statues of the Virgin.
Chicago church releases a beer for Advent — and the end of the world
By Emily McFarlan Miller — November 19, 2020
CHICAGO (RNS) — Church members stopped by to pick up the wreaths they’d ordered for the coming Advent season — OK, so they were cardboard drink holders filled with Advent-themed beers and topped with a green ribbon and Christ candle to light on Christmas Eve.
Episcopal Diocese of Chicago planning to sell downtown headquarters
By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 16, 2020
CHICAGO (RNS) — ‘Maintaining an underused diocesan headquarters in an expensive building on prime real estate is not good stewardship of diocesan assets,’ said Episcopal Bishop Jeffrey D. Lee of Chicago.
Chicago celebrates Juneteenth with interfaith march through iconic Grant Park
By Emily McFarlan Miller — June 19, 2020
CHICAGO (RNS) — Thousands of people came out for a faith community-led march celebrating Juneteenth on Friday afternoon (June 19) through downtown Chicago’s Grant Park, home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and attractions.
‘The church will not be silent’: Clergy lead thousands in peaceful protest on Chicago’s South Side
By Emily McFarlan Miller — June 3, 2020
CHICAGO (RNS) — People of faith are taking a more active role in the protests sparked by George Floyd’s death that have spread from Minneapolis to all 50 states and around the world.
Paczki Day brings Chicagoans together for one last indulgence before Lent
By Emily McFarlan Miller — February 25, 2020
CHICAGO (RNS) — By 7 a.m. Tuesday (Feb. 25), 17 people stood in line at Kolatek’s Bakery, wrapping around the produce section of the store, ready to buy the fried dough stuffed with a myriad of jams and custards. A signal that Lent is a day away — and today is one last chance to feast.
George Clements, Chicago priest known for adopting sons, dies at 87
By Emily McFarlan Miller — November 26, 2019
CHICAGO (RNS) — The civil rights activist's life turned into a made-for-TV movie after he became the first Catholic priest to adopt a child.
Chicago suburb seeks to block church’s winter homeless shelter
By Aysha Khan — November 12, 2019
(RNS) — Last month, Hope Covenant Church opened the first homeless shelter in Chicago’s affluent suburban Village of Orland Park in more than three decades. The overnight shelter is open every Tuesday until April — unless a lawsuit by village officials succeeds.
Chicago churches join growing movement of congregations paying off medical debt
By Emily McFarlan Miller — October 28, 2019
CHICAGO (RNS) — A group of Chicago churches is joining a growing trend of congregations paying off medical debt for the people in their communities and beyond — and hoping to start a movement.