As coronavirus keeps parishioners homebound, Christian clergy debate online Communion
(RNS) — With churchgoers holed up in their homes for weeks and even months to come, Christian leaders are starting to ask: Is Communion appropriate for cyberspace?
As coronavirus death toll mounts, faith leaders the world over grapple with funerals
(RNS) — Faith groups are attempting to address the issue of funerals by instituting new policies designed to offer some semblance of comfort for the bereaved while keeping others safe from infection.
White House takes low-key approach to churches that ignore coronavirus advice
WASHINGTON (RNS) — A senior Trump administration House official said faith communities ‘may not be able to physically gather for the foreseeable future.’
As COVID-19 leads to canceled religious gatherings, faith leaders embrace the digital
(RNS) — As in-person worship is banned in many places in the wake of COVID-19, many clergy are scrambling to learn how to shift services online via Zoom, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and other digital platforms.
Coronavirus shutdowns disrupt America’s soul, closing houses of worship
(RNS) — The coronavirus crisis has disrupted faith groups from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. — shuttering megachurches and forcing worship online.
Some Trump evangelical advisers offer tempered response to coronavirus
(RNS) — Pastors aligned with Trump seem to have run with the president's once-dismissive attitude toward the spread of COVID-19.
Episcopal diocese suspends Communion wine, drains baptismal fonts due to coronavirus
WASHINGTON (RNS) — ‘We’re to be good citizens, and we’re to be good neighbors,’ said the Rev. Mariann Budde, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, who distributed a letter outlining new diocesanwide policies meant to curb the spread of the disease.
Bread for the World taps Eugene Cho as new president
WASHINGTON (RNS) — “(Cho) is a powerful voice in a humble package,” said John Carr, chairman of Bread's board.
Jewish leaders: Nazi flag at Sanders rally further proof of rise in anti-Semitism
RNS — ‘Targeting a Jewish candidate with a Nazi flag represents a new level of depravity,’ tweeted Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League. ‘There is no place for hate in politics.’
Report: Rolls-Royce cancels offer for private Mass with Pope Francis
(RNS) — According to Catholic News Agency, the organization facilitating the offer, Italian Luxury Living, has rescinded it in the wake of RNS' reporting.
Rolls-Royce promotes exclusive Mass with pope — for $155,000
(RNS) — Buyers are also encouraged to donate at least $112,000 to the Catholic Church.
In South Carolina, secular activists rival political might of black church
CHARLESTON, S.C. (RNS) — Democratic candidates here are as likely to rally behind groups such as Black Lives Matter as they are to make traditional Sunday appeals to African American voters.
Meet the pastor who prays over Elizabeth Warren before every debate
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (RNS) — 'I will let you in on a little secret: If you think I do all right in the debates, it’s because Rev. Culpepper prays over me before I go out,’ Warren told faith leaders gathered at a Charleston church. 'Power of prayer, reverend!’
Religious vaccine exemption bill stokes controversy in Connecticut
(RNS) — Some demonstrators wore stickers that read ‘My Faith says Do No Harm.’
Democrats lost white Christians. Can they win them back?
“Race matters more than religion right now,” said Ryan Burge, political science professor at Eastern Illinois University.