Coronavirus
Another COVID-19 outbreak strikes Northern California retirement home for Jesuits
By Alejandra Molina — March 8, 2023
(RNS) — As of Tuesday, 31 men had tested positive for COVID-19 at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, an unincorporated town in Santa Clara County.
Progressive National Baptists to deploy $1 million grant to boost ‘compelling preaching’
By Adelle M. Banks — January 31, 2023
(RNS) — The Lilly Endowment grants to the 32 organizations total $31.7 million and were distributed in November.
US Hispanic Protestant churches are young, growing and largely new to the country
By Alejandra Molina — January 30, 2023
(RNS) — 'We see more and more English-speaking churches either planting a Hispanic church or adding a service in Spanish to their current congregation,' said Giancarlo Montemayor with Lifeway Recursos.
PHOTO GALLERY: The history and diversity of African American religious rituals
By Adelle M. Banks — January 10, 2023
(RNS) — A new photo book from the National Museum of African American History and Culture explores Black history through its range of spiritual traditions.
Faith-based groups on border unswayed after lawmakers’ call to investigate them
By Alejandra Molina — December 22, 2022
(RNS) — ‘The gospel compels us to do so. If that’s unpopular with certain members of Congress, so be it,’ said Anthony Granado with Catholic Charities USA.
Sunday school looks different since pandemic’s start: From monthly to missing
By Adelle M. Banks — December 21, 2022
(RNS) — ‘If you kept it online, you probably don’t have a religious education program now,’ expert Scott Thumma said of children’s activities.
California legalizes human composting bill against opposition by Catholic bishops
By Alejandra Molina — September 20, 2022
(RNS) — California is now among the U.S. states that have legalized the process of converting bodies into soil, a procedure the Catholic Church said fails to show 'respect for the body of the deceased.'
From shoeboxes to war zones: How Samaritan’s Purse became a $1 billion humanitarian aid powerhouse
By Yonat Shimron and Bob Smietana — September 9, 2022
NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. (RNS) — Now one of the largest US nonprofits, its growth has come largely through frontline work in public health crises and natural disasters around the world.
Jehovah’s Witnesses return to door knocking ‘like getting back on a bicycle’
By Adelle M. Banks — September 2, 2022
(RNS) — When people are less open to them, they focus more on those who take a tract, read a brochure or enroll in a Bible study program.
Jehovah’s Witnesses to return to door knocking, a sign of new COVID-19 stage
By Adelle M. Banks — August 22, 2022
(RNS) — Door knocking has not only been a physical mainstay for Jehovah’s Witnesses but an ideal they have fought for in courtrooms.
Marking its centennial, Hymn Society continues push for more diverse music
By Adelle M. Banks — July 22, 2022
(RNS) — Members danced and sang to a global selection of hymns and grappled with the power of song to change the world.
As monkeypox spreads, global organizations mobilize faith networks to fight stigma
By Adelle M. Banks — July 20, 2022
(RNS) — ‘There is no shame in having any disease’ is the mantra of Religions for Peace after dealing with past health crises, says its secretary-general.
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church elects second woman and African bishops
By Adelle M. Banks — July 1, 2022
(RNS) — Despite temperature checks and other measures attempting to keep the gathering free of COVID-19 free, some attendees tested positive during the General Conference.
‘Blessing of Elders’ lauds 7 Black Christian luminaries at Museum of the Bible gala
By Adelle M. Banks — June 24, 2022
(RNS) — ‘I believe the 21st century will see the Black church lead the way to hope and healing in a deeply divided nation,’ said the Rev. A.R. Bernard.
Church of God in Christ congregations given $100,000 by pandemic support campaign
By Adelle M. Banks — May 27, 2022
(RNS) — ‘Surprisingly, the generosity has not stopped and churches continued to give,’ said organizer Justin Giboney.
