© 2024 WNIJ and WNIU
Northern Public Radio
801 N 1st St.
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-9000
Northern Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

Illinois Legislature Forms Prayer Caucus

State of Illinois

Illinois has become the 15th state to form a Legislative Prayer Caucus, similar to one already in place in Congress.  Its members will work on issues of religious freedom.  

Republican Senator Sam McCann of Carlinville says he heard from voters who wanted it.

“It was really due to the diligence of the constituents of the people. It didn't start with either congress or me or the statehouse it started because the constituents of the people were engaged.”

Lea Carawan--the Executive Director of the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation out of Washington, D.C.--was in Springfield for the kickoff event.  Carawan says the idea of separating church and state has been misinterpreted and lawmakers are allowed to bring their religion with them during the session.

“Separation of church and state doesn’t mean separation of god and government so government leaders don’t have to check their faith at the door they’re citizens just like anybody. They have the rights and the freedom and responsibility to bring their faith in all that they do.”

The Caucus is bipartisan.  Members will hold weekly prayer meetings at the state capitol.