Buddhist monks praying on Vesak Day are streamed on social media by a volunteer at the Buddhist Maha Vihara temple in Kuala Lumpur on May 7, 2020. RNS photo by Alexandra Radu
Need to know: Friday, May 8, 2020
Malaysian Buddhists celebrate Vesak from home during pandemic
With all temples in Malaysia closed to the public in an effort to curb the coronavirus outbreak, the country’s 5.4 million Buddhists — the second largest faith group in the mostly Muslim nation — observed Vesak, or Buddha Day, from home this year.
New Jersey man accused of ramming Muslim woman’s car
Michael Morrison is in jail after allegedly ramming his SUV twice into a Muslim woman’s car and threatening to kill her and her son.
Watchdog seeks discipline for Army chaplain who shared John Piper coronavirus book
The Military Religious Freedom Foundation is representing 22 chaplains who objected to an email with the book that ties the coronavirus to God’s judgment.
With caution and concern, Catholic Masses scheduled to resume in Italy
For the first time since March 9, when the Italian government enacted a nationwide lockdown to limit the spread of the pandemic, Catholic faithful will be able to attend Mass with priests in places of worship starting May 18.
How churches can reframe social justice now and after COVID-19
The church can leverage its social mission to advocate for just policies, offer to open its spaces and look out for the most vulnerable during this crisis, writes Barbara Williams-Skinner.
Prague revamp reveals Jewish gravestones used to pave streets
Find confirms speculation communist regime raided synagogues for building materials.
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As pandemic persists, churches and insurance companies grapple with risk
(RNS) — ‘We would never, ever consider getting back together without talking to our insurer,’ said Presbyterian minister the Rev. Stephen Fearing.
Women leaders condemn threat against Muslim candidate
(AP) — Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, the founder of MuslimGirl.com who is running for Congress, is the first Muslim woman to run for federal office from New Jersey.
By video and social distance, Atlanta’s archbishop installed
(AP) — At the end of the livestreamed ceremony, the diocese's priests applauded Hartmayer rather than give him the traditional hug of welcome.
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How a part-time pastor can keep a financially strapped church alive
(RNS) — Despite fears that losing full-time clergy will lead to further decline, going part time can mean more vitality, not less.
Quarantine cooking gone hipster is a sign of hope
It’s understandable to respond to the pandemic by discovering a connection to real food and getting in touch with nature. It might even put us back in touch with the humanity of others, writes Tara Isabella Burton.
The mythic punch of the Lincoln Project’s ‘Mourning in America’
In a take-off aimed at promises to restore America, Trump becomes the Anti-Reagan, writes Mark Silk.
