A woman sits alone in her pew during Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Sunday, March 15, 2020, in Los Angeles. Photo by Hayley Smith
Need to know: Tuesday, March 17, 2020
‘Prayer in the Time of Coronavirus’: LA parishioners worship in mostly empty pews
‘It feels apocalyptic,’ said parishioner Sal Lopez after the service at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Los Angeles. ‘It was so empty in there.’
Campus chaplains, religious clubs advocate for students in a moment of anxiety
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.
Crystals, chocolate, astral travel and good vibes for the soul
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.
What Islamic hygienic practices can teach when coronavirus is spreading
Islamic law requires Muslims to ritually purify their body before praying. As a scholar of Islamic studies who researches ritual practices among Muslims, I have found that these practices contain both spiritual and physical benefits, writes Rose Aslan.
Christian love in a time of coronavirus
When society is beginning to see panicky behavior, this is the time for the body of Christ to be a voice of faith instead of fear — and a source of practical help, writes Shaunti Feldhahn.
Evangelical leader denounces Trump for calling coronavirus the ‘Chinese virus’
After President Trump called the novel coronavirus “the Chinese Virus” in a tweet Monday, an evangelical leader responded by calling the label “unacceptable,” warning that it “instigates blame, racism, and hatred against Asians.”
Latest news from RNS
Bishop Barbara Harris, first woman bishop of Anglican Communion, dies at 89
‘She was larger than life because she lived it fully with her God and with us,’ said Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.
Coronavirus shutdowns disrupt America’s soul, closing houses of worship
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
Pastors aligned with Trump seem to have run with the president's once-dismissive attitude toward the spread of COVID-19.
More views from RNS
Spirituality in a time of quarantine
It is time to put the common good over our personal good; it is time to respect science not partisan spin masters; it is time to be our better selves, writes Thomas Reese.
Why white evangelicals are at odds with America
(RNS) — They are increasingly losing ground to the mainstream.
Six books to get you through a coronavirus shutdown
(RNS) — These classic and contemporary novels might offer helpful perspective on the state we find ourselves in — and are also terrific reads.
