DIY Faith
How two poems about the coronavirus went viral by addressing spiritual needs
By Yonat Shimron — March 27, 2020
(RNS) — Written by two little-known poets, both poems preach slowing down, becoming more mindful, seeking out stillness and finding connection with humankind (without touching).
Afghanistan can’t protect its Sikhs from terror. It’s time for America to step up.
By Simran Jeet Singh — March 27, 2020
(RNS) — How do we make sense of violent extremists who come into our sacred spaces with hate in their hearts? And how do we keep ourselves from being victims of their anger?
Surgeon general, disaster experts advise church leaders in COVID-19 online summit
By Adelle M. Banks — March 26, 2020
(RNS) — Surgeon General Jerome M. Adams advised faith leaders: 'Follow the guidance from your local health department and find ways to partner with them.'
Catholic convert’s book on the Annunciation hopes to help parents inspire faith in Gen Z
By Claire Giangravé — March 25, 2020
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — In her new book about the Annunciation, Catholic convert and poet Sally Read addresses young people’s relationship with social media and its impact on faith, drawing from her personal experience as a mother.
Location, location, location? How coronavirus is reshaping our sense of place
By Tara Isabella Burton — March 24, 2020
(RNS) — The rise of the ‘social distancing social life’ makes it clearer than ever that the places that shape us are no longer the hometowns, houses of worship and other communities we take as a given.
Churches go back to the future with drive-in services in the time of the coronavirus
By Emily McFarlan Miller — March 23, 2020
(RNS) — Congregations from a variety of denominations in Kentucky, Texas, Washington and Minnesota are taking the drive-in approach at their churches, encouraging members to park their cars on church property and tune in to the service on their radios. Pathway Baptist Church did them one better.
Virus prompts churches meeting in schools to find new ways to preach, pray
By Adelle M. Banks — March 20, 2020
(RNS) — Pastors of newer churches are faced with the dilemma of figuring out how to reach and keep new members without ‘pressing the flesh,’ one expert said.
After canceling public services, this megachurch is feeding hungry families
By Alejandra Molina — March 19, 2020
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — Angelus Temple in Los Angeles has handed out 5,000 meals a day to kids out of school and others in need. Among the donors has been Chick-fil-A.
Christmas in March? Some people are turning on their lights to brighten a dark time
By Emily McFarlan Miller — March 19, 2020
(RNS) — People across the country have had the same idea to turn on the Christmas lights still frozen to their rooftops or to pull their decor back out of storage to bring some light to a dark time.
Jentezen Franklin: ‘We’re unplugging everything. We’re going back to the raw gospel.’
By Adelle M. Banks — March 18, 2020
(RNS) — In a Q&A, the megachurch pastor talked about preaching during a pandemic, making faith leaders ‘first responders’ and criticism of Trump’s handling of the crisis.
While we make the best of a pandemic, coronavirus is making the best of us
By Tara Isabella Burton — March 18, 2020
(RNS) — The past few weeks have put the lie to our illusions of self-sufficiency. We have always been responsible to one another for everything. We’re just noticing it now.
As COVID-19 leads to canceled religious gatherings, faith leaders embrace the digital
By Jack Jenkins — March 17, 2020
(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.
Crystals, chocolate, astral travel and good vibes for the soul
By Emily McFarlan Miller — March 16, 2020
TORONTO (RNS) — Crystals aren't just trendy. I AM Academy is using them to build ‘a community of people who are looking to change themselves and change this world’ through astral travel, meditation and other metaphysical means.
Campus chaplains, religious clubs advocate for students in a moment of anxiety
By Aysha Khan — March 16, 2020
BOSTON (RNS) — As university campuses around the country shut down and move classes online, chaplains and faith-based campus groups are stepping in to ease the transition.
With coronavirus concerns, sales up for prepackaged Communion cups and wafers
By Adelle M. Banks — March 11, 2020
(RNS) — ‘What we’re trying to do is minimize any kind of unnecessary touch here,’ said the Rev. Justin Coleman, pastor of a North Carolina church.
