Coronavirus
Post-Trump, Christian nationalists preach a theology of vaccine resistance
By Jack Jenkins — September 14, 2021
(RNS) — Recent rallies have intermingled resistance to COVID-19 vaccines with calls for a resurgence of Christian influence.
Largest Catholic parish in US being built in ‘heart of California’s dairy industry’
By Alejandra Molina — September 14, 2021
VISALIA, Calif. (RNS) — ‘It’s the best-kept secret in the nation — little Visalia building the largest parish church in modern U.S. history,’ said the Rev. Alex Chavez.
A mask mandate showdown in Cobb County school board pits ‘faith’ against ‘fear’
By Heather Greene — September 13, 2021
ATLANTA (RNS) — 'Faith not Fear' is a mantra ringing out across the country, where such debates have reached a fever pitch. That is the case in Cobb County, Georgia.
Francis Collins ‘a bit’ frustrated with evangelicals amid COVID-19 vaccine push
By Adelle M. Banks — September 10, 2021
(RNS) — Collins said seekers of a religious exemption from new COVID-19 rules would ‘have to really come through with a coherent argument about why that applies in this place.’
Donald Trump to join Sean Feucht worship concert on 9/11 at National Mall
By Jack Jenkins — September 10, 2021
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The two-day event is preceded by a daylong summit on Friday at the Trump International Hotel that includes speeches from conservative religious and political leaders.
Religious organizations prepare for ‘potential onslaught’ of evictions
By Kathryn Post — September 9, 2021
(RNS) — ‘We’re very, very nervous,’ said Sarah Abramson of Combined Jewish Philanthropies in Boston. Millions of Americans say they could face eviction as the federal eviction moratorium ends.
California recall candidate Larry Elder to visit megachurch offering COVID-19 vaccine exemptions
By Alejandra Molina — September 2, 2021
(RNS) — Pastor Greg Fairrington, during an Aug. 1 sermon, told congregants of his church to ‘do your job as Christians on Sept. 14 and vote yes on recalling an immoral governor.’
Jeannie Gaffigan hosts panel urging Catholics to get COVID-19 vaccines
By Renée Roden and Alejandra Molina — September 1, 2021
(RNS) — Gaffigan collaborated with Loyola Marymount University to host a panel on Tuesday (Aug. 31) directed specifically at Catholic audiences and featuring several Catholic medical experts.
Judge blocks Western Michigan’s vaccine mandate for athletes
By David Eggert — September 1, 2021
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The four athletes — Emily Dahl, Hannah Redoute, Bailey Korhorn and Morgan Otteson — said they were denied religious exemptions to play without getting a dose.
California, LA County both to pay $400,000 settlement to John MacArthur’s church
By Alejandra Molina — August 31, 2021
(RNS) — This agreement, county officials said, was reached in the context of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in February that told California it couldn’t enforce a ban on indoor worship because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mississippi governor: Christians are ‘less scared’ of COVID
By Emily Wagster Pettus — August 31, 2021
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi Republican governor Tate Reeves said he believes Christians are ‘a little less scared’ of COVID-19 because of their belief in eternal life.
Myanmar says Rohingya minority will get COVID-19 vaccine
By Associated Press — August 30, 2021
BANGKOK (AP) — A spokesman for Myanmar’s military-installed government said Friday that COVID-19 vaccines will be given to members of the country’s persecuted Rohingya ethnic group.
MLK’s family, Rev. Al Sharpton address voting rights, filibuster at Washington march
By Adelle M. Banks — August 28, 2021
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The Rev. Al Sharpton contrasted the Aug. 28 march to the Jan. 6 insurrection: ‘We are the real patriots showing America how to be at its best.’
Episcopal Diocese of Maine mandates vaccine for clergy
By Kathryn Post — August 25, 2021
(RNS) — Bishop Thomas J. Brown’s decision is one of the first vaccine mandates for clergy in the U.S.
The fundamentalist who created today’s conservative template
By Mark Silk — August 23, 2021
(RNS) — Meet a New Jersey pastor named Carl McIntire.
