RNS Morning Report: Field Hospital in Central Park; Church Donations Down; Florida Pastor Arrested

A Samaritan’s Purse crew works on building an emergency field hospital equipped with a respiratory unit in New York’s Central Park, across from the Mount Sinai Hospital, Sunday, March 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Need to know: Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Samaritan’s Purse sets up emergency field hospital in New York’s Central Park

The field hospital, which is expected to open Tuesday (March 31), will allow Mount Sinai Hospital additional surge capacity as New York City grapples with an overstretched medical system.

Higher attendance, lower giving: New survey shows how churches are responding to COVID-19

Giving is down, attendance is up and a good number of pastors still aren’t sure what they’re going to do about Easter.

Florida pastor arrested for refusing to halt worship amid outbreak

‘I believe there is nothing more important than faith in a time like this,’ the Hillsborough County Sheriff said. ‘But practicing those beliefs has to be done safely.’

‘Zoombombing’ comes for houses of worship

The mass transition of houses of worship to Zoom and other online video conferencing platforms has meant that religious services are more accessible than ever before — including to trolls.

The president, the pandemic and the limits of positive thinking

With his false claims and dismissive tweets about COVID-19, President Trump does not (merely) misrepresent reality; he engages positive thinking in hopes of changing it, write Mark Mulder and Gerardo Martí.

Divided Delhi under lockdown: ‘If coronavirus doesn’t kill me, hunger will’

India’s shutdown is catastrophic for Muslims driven from their homes by sectarian carnage and now without food or shelter.

 


 

Latest news from RNS

In new novel, the story of two grieving fathers highlights an old conflict — and the hope of peace

NEW YORK (RNS) —  Award-winning author Colum McCann’s anticipated new novel, ‘Apeirogon,’ tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two bereaved fathers born into opposite sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In move likely aimed at Liberty, on-campus teaching halted

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The evangelical college has faced intense criticism over its decision to welcome students back to campus last week after the end of their spring break.

How not to get overwhelmed by the pandemic

(RNS) — Thinking can become distorted in a crisis, causing us to fall into panic, denial or grief. A psychologist who studies resilience talks about how to keep perspective.

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A sermon on COVID-19 and climate change

The pandemic as spur to political action, writes Mark Silk.

Two strangers just saved my dog’s life

It would be terrible if we came out of this pandemic as something less than human. But after yesterday, I think the kids are all right.

Weekend Plug-in: March 27, 2020

(RNS) — Analysis and insights on this week's top headlines from the world of faith.