After threats from city, Catholic archbishop in SF agrees to obey coronavirus rules
One such gathering occurred last Saturday, where Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone convened about three dozen worshipers to lament what he called the "blasphemous" toppling of the controversial statue of Junipero Serra.
Pope Francis compares priests who defied pandemic safety measures to 'adolescents'
The pope noted that most priests were "obedient and creative" during the pandemic, but compared the defiance of some to the behavior of children.
Televangelist Jim Bakker sued by second state over coronavirus treatment claims
Attorney General Leslie Rutledge filed the lawsuit in Arkansas against Bakker and Morningside Church Productions, just three months after the state of Missouri filed a similar lawsuit.
Churches in Austin gather virtually to show public solidarity with black community
More than a hundred people RSVP’d to virtually watch on Facebook.
‘Baffling and reprehensible’: Archbishop of Washington condemns Trump’s visit to Catholic shrine
Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, the first African American archbishop of the Archdiocese of Washington, condemned President Donald Trump's visit to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine Tuesday, saying the president's visit in the wake of his Monday threats to use military force against protesters "violates our religious principles.“
GOP senators offer rare rebuke of Trump on church visit
Most Republicans continued Tuesday to avoid any criticism of President Donald Trump amidst the nationwide protests that have now gone global.
US faith leaders wrestle twin traumas in protests, virus
American religious leaders across faiths are grappling with the heavy burden of helping to heal two active traumas: rising civil unrest driven by the police killing of George Floyd and the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump deems houses of worship 'essential,' calls on governors to allow them to reopen
Trump said if governors don’t abide by his request, he will “override” them, though it’s unclear what authority he has to do so.
Priest uses squirt gun to shoot holy water and maintain social distancing
A priest in Detroit has been using a squirt gun to dispense holy water and maintain social distancing.
Poll: 63% of religious Americans believe COVID-19 pandemic is message from God for humanity to change
A poll of 1,002 adults was conducted April 30-May 4 that found that 31% of Americans who believe feel strongly that the virus is a sign from God telling humanity to change.
Diocese of Austin resumes in-person public mass
The Diocese of Austin is resuming services, but different faith leaders in the area all are making decisions at a different pace.
DOJ sides with Mississippi church after congregants were fined for attending drive-in service
The DOJ released a statement of interest in support of Temple Baptist Church in Greenvillle, Miss., which has filed a lawsuit against the local police department, saying that the city of Greenville wrongfully targeted religious services.
Australian court dismisses sex abuse convictions against Cardinal George Pell
Pope Francis' former finance minister was convicted by a Victoria state jury in 2018 of sexually abusing two 13-year-old choirboys.
Cedar Park moves services online for Palm Sunday
The idea came about when Governor Abbott urged churches to continue meeting while also practicing social distancing.
Gov. Abbott, AG Paxton provide joint guidance for religious services during COVID-19 pandemic
According to the joint guidance, orders given by state or local governments prohibiting people from providing or obtaining certain services must ensure that the orders don't violate the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, Article I of the Texas Constitution, and the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Places of worship cancel, livestream and hold drive-thru services in wake of global pandemic
At Bay Church in Concord on Sunday, religious leadership was offering drive-through services so that people can stay in their own cars but still attend service.
Churches stream service in effort to prevent potential coronavirus spread
The decision to stream their service was done in an effort to help reduce potential spread as they see about 600 people every Sunday.
Diocese of Austin continuing church services, issues precautionary measures against coronavirus
Although the Diocese did not altogether cancel services, it has asked that the parishes and followers to take preventative measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.
Bible undamaged as engine fire engulfs truck in Texas: report
A Texas woman’s truck was engulfed in flames Sunday in Deer Park, but she credits some divine intervention – and a little help from the Deer Park Fire Department – for minimizing the damage preventing any injuries to herself and saving her Bible, a report said Monday.
Arkansas police officer prays for students at school’s flagpole everyday
A school resource officer in Wynne, Arkansas, is going viral for his daily act of kindness each morning before school starts.