Chicago Pastor Defends ‘Hell Has Open Borders’ Church Sign That Upset Neighbors

Quoting from Matthew 7:13-14, the pastor told viewers, “The gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction—that’s hell—and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow, the way is hard, that leads to life—that’s heaven—and those who find it are few.”

Neighbors Express Outrage Over Church Sign

In Palatine, some residents say the church sign is political, hypocritical, and inappropriate. One woman told a reporter she’s upset because their family moved to the area for its diversity. Another said despite the pastor’s intention, the sign “lends itself to a very different message.”

A Palatine official said the sign is legal, with content protected by the First Amendment. But one resident described the messaging as hate speech, saying New Hope should pay taxes if it engages in politics. “There is no need for me or any of us [who] live around here to be staring at those kind of messages on a daily basis,” the unnamed neighbor said, calling New Hope “extreme.”

Another resident, Katey Rish, said, “I feel like Christianity unfortunately is being hijacked by people who don’t in any way represent the values of Jesus Christ and the love that he had for the world.”

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The president of the local school board also objected to the church sign. “It is unfortunate that a couple of phrases that some adults feel to be clever are posted in the face of many innocent schoolchildren having to ask parents, friends, and adults what they mean and why,” said Lisa Beth Szczupaj. “Pulling kids into the edginess and politics of the moment is absolutely inappropriate and causes real fear for our school-age children.”

‘Don’t Ever Back Down,’ Pastor Tells Christians

Pittman defended New Hope, saying it operates a food ministry and a clothes closet to live out the Bible, which it preaches “without apology.” Saying the church’s critics have only “keyboard courage,” he asked how many hours they spend on a weekly or monthly basis helping people in need.

Pittman admitted that New Hope has often been “at odds” with community members “who do not accept biblical values.” For example, he said the church has spoken out on “the transgender issue,” about being pro-life, and against “pornography” at local schools.

One thing the church is not, according to the pastor, is scared. “We don’t have to hide behind innuendos,” said Pittman. “We say exactly what we mean, and we don’t apologize because the Bible is clear, and we stand on it. If we were to attack immigrants, it would be clear.”

The pastor accused critics of twisting this story into being about “us attacking kids,” when their real goal is to “shut up the true gospel.” Then he talked about salvation, saying we’re all sinners who need a Savior. “Either Jesus will pay for your sins or you will pay for your sins in hell forever,” he said. “That’s why hell has open borders.”