A north Peoria church is offering congregants religious exemptions from COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
In a statement, leaders at Northwoods Community Church say they believe people have a "biblical and constitutional right" to conscientiously object to the vaccine.
The church said the mandate has "escalated" the level of division and anxiety in the country created by COVID-19.
Church leadership say they support those who don't want a vaccine "as a direct leading from God through the Holy Spirit."
Many government employees are subject to vaccine mandates, as well as employees of both major Peoria hospital systems.
The church has a form on its website to request a religious exemption from vaccination mandates. The church said it could contact applicants with additional questions.
Northwoods also has churches in Chillicothe and Canton.
