Illinois Conference of Churches

07/09/2026

Surge in young men embracing Christianity

Pastors across Christian denominations have noticed an uptick in membership and participation of young men. This is phenomenon is supported by a recent Gallop survey that shows a surprisingly large increase in the past few years.

Pastors and scholars cannot pin down the cause of this unusual surge in Christian activism. A leading theory is that young men are seeking meaning in their lives and norms to live by. This is discussed in an excellent review by the New York Times, found at:
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/16/us/politics/young-men-religion-importance-poll.html

Other writers see a deeper issue in the loss of masculine role models and norms for what it means to be a male in modern culture. Young men feel aggrieved by the loss of respect and a proper role in society. They are torn between religion and conservative media influencers to find their place in the "manosphere." See one perspective on this at the link below from America Magazine:

https://www.americamagazine.org/manosphere-catholic-response-jordan-peterson-andrew-tate-joe-rogan-charlie-kirk/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=The%20Crisis%20of%20Male%20Grievance%20and%20Belonging%3A%20How%20Should%20the%20Catholic%20Church%20Respond%3F&utm_campaign=Cover%20Story%207%206%2026

Four essays on male grievance and belonging

07/08/2026

Given how divisive religion has become in American politics and culture, it is useful to look at the religious landscape of America. The Pew Research Center is a highly regarded source for interesting survey data about the religious landscape of America.

Since 2019 the decades long slow decline in the percentage of Americans reporting themselves to be Christian has halted and the share of religiously unaffiliated respondents has decline. Is the slight uptick in the Christian share a trend?

The Pew research shows changes in religious affiliation by demographic groups and denominations.

https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/02/26/religious-landscape-study-religious-identity/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23983542891&gbraid=0AAAAA-ddO9ECdd7o-pg_2rBefrxwdeama&gclid=CjwKCAjw6rfSBhAqEiwA_yocpkjr6Hjg8Sp6uRTVUndBUW6loxPPCA78_EJ2pN8Ewh4K3N_POZiizxoClNYQAvD_BwE

06/11/2026

2026 NWCU (nwcu.org)
Please join us November 17-19 for the 2026 National Workshop on Christian Unity!
March 11, 2026 [email protected]
This year’s workshop will once again be held at the Lutheran Center in Chicago from the evening of Tuesday, November 17 to the evening of Thursday, November 19. Networks have scheduled their own meetings Tuesday, November 17. Check with your specific network their specific schedule for the day. The program will be the second on our series on networking and practical ecumenism with a intentional emphasis on dialogue.

The theme for this years’ workshop is “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4)– details on Speakers and Plenary Topics are being finalized.

Hotel Reservations: Please make reservations directly with Spring Hill Suites by Marriott at www.Marriott.com.

More Information, Events and
Schedule click here: nwcu2026.org

The National Workshop on Christian Unity has advanced unity and reconciliation among various Christian communities for more than 50 years. The Workshop continues to be the only gathering of its kind at a national level in the world. The annual event brings together ecumenical representatives, ecumenists, and interested members from all churches who share one faith, one baptism in Jesus Christ. Learn more about the history of the National Workshop on Christian Unity, past workshops, partners in church unity, inter-religious relations, and more by browsing our website.

We would like to thank the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for their hospitality fir this event.

Mark your calendars and we hope to see you in Chicago!

06/11/2026

Read Pope Leo's encyclical!

ENCYCLICAL LETTER MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV ON SAFEGUARDING THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE TIME OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE [ Multimedia ] ___________________________

06/11/2026

Dear Friends in Christ,
As our nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, churches across Illinois have an opportunity to reflect on our history and our calling in this moment. As people of faith, we give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy while recommitting ourselves to the work of building a society that more fully reflects the dignity and worth of every person created in the image of God.
Throughout Scripture, God calls us to seek the welfare of our communities, to pursue justice, and to care for the vulnerable. One way Christians live out this calling is through faithful civic engagement. While we may differ on policies and political affiliations, we share a commitment to ensuring that all eligible members of our communities can participate freely, safely, and without intimidation in our democratic processes.
As congregations prepare for the months ahead, we encourage churches to consider how they might commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary through prayer, education, community dialogue, and civic engagement. Such efforts can help strengthen our common life and witness to the values of dignity, participation, and the common good.
We have watched with alarm as threats begin to coalesce around the voting process - whether that be the systemic disenfranchisement of Black voters, the challenging of lawful results, or intimidation of election workers. We encourage leaders to familiarize themselves with resources that support voter participation and election integrity. These include:
• Sojourners and Faiths United to Save Democracy's Poll Chaplain and Peacekeeper Training, which prepares faith leaders to serve as a calming, nonpartisan presence at polling locations and to support voters in exercising their rights. The training includes updates on election law and de-escalation techniques.
• Interfaith America's Faith in Elections Playbook, which offers practical guidance for faith communities seeking constructive, nonpartisan engagement in election-related activities, including voter support, community education, relationship-building with election officials, and reducing polarization.
The Illinois Conference of Churches remains committed to fostering civic engagement that is grounded in faith, seeing it as one of the most important legacies we can cultivate on this 250th anniversary. We invite congregations to pray for our nation and seek opportunities to be agents of hope, reconciliation, and justice.
May God grant us wisdom, courage, and humility as we continue the work of loving our neighbors and seeking the common good.
Grace and peace,
Illinois Conference of Churches

03/13/2026

https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/scialabba-iran-war-trump-international-law-israel?utm_source=PANTHEON_STRIPPED&utm_campaign=PANTHEON_STRIPPED&utm_medium=PANTHEON_STRIPPED&utm_term=PANTHEON_STRIPPED&check_logged_in=1

I, Father Kevin Laughery, strongly recommend this essay by George Scialabba and published in Commonweal.

The war on Iran is yet another reminder that the world will never be safe until the United States accepts and abides by international law.

12/06/2025

We are happy to feature here a report on a member of our Leadership Team and his most eloquent Nativity scene.

(RNS) — 'We know that Jesus was born into a Roman imperial occupation, and pretty much immediately becomes a refugee in Egypt, has to flee and faces political violence,' the Rev. Michael Woolf said.