Monks make cremation urns at New Melleray Abbey near Dubuque, Iowa. Photo by Mark Hirsch
Need to know: Monday, April 6, 2020
As coronavirus death rates multiply, these monks are giving away caskets
The Trappist monks of New Melleray Abbey have always given away child caskets. Now they're offering adult caskets to people in need.
With coronavirus infections linked to religious gatherings, debate rages over worship amid pandemic
‘I just think that puts a lot of vulnerable people at risk,’ said Greg Jones, dean of the Duke Divinity School.
Muslim groups join forces to raise $500,000 for coronavirus relief grants
A Muslim-led crowdfunding campaign has raised nearly $500,000 to offer micro-grants to low-income American families whose livelihoods have been hurt by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
Black churches, synagogues face racially abusive ‘Zoombombings’
Minority groups are calling for law enforcement and Zoom to crack down on perpetrators of racial abuse on the platform.
How the war on Christmas became the war on Easter
As states issue stay-at-home orders and bar gatherings, some evangelical Christians have become convinced that religious freedom is under attack, writes Shane Claiborne.
I miss singing at church
The coronavirus crisis reminds us that we are bodies, not simply souls trapped in a mortal prison, writes Tish Harrison Warren.
Latest news from RNS
World Vision US president says ‘all hands on deck’ for pandemic
‘This is probably the most uncertain and concerning situation that World Vision has faced in our 70-year history,’ said Edgar Sandoval Sr.
As pandemic spreads, Italy’s south turns to Pope Francis, saints
Positive coronavirus cases have started to grow in Italy’s very religious south, where high levels of unemployment and organized crime complicate the application of stringent rules to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
Virus lockdown changes how Hindus celebrate holy period
Hindus around the world are in the midst of a nine-day period called Chaitra Navaratri that began with what for many is considered the Hindu New Year.
More views from RNS
LDS General Conference to feature a surprise “solemn assembly” and hosanna shout on Sunday
It's intriguing that President Nelson is instituting the hosanna shout on the perfect day in the liturgical calendar: Palm Sunday.
Immigrants in detention don’t deserve a death sentence
(RNS) — At a time when jails and prisons are releasing inmates, it makes sense to extend the same precautions to detained immigrants.
The meaning of COVID-19: We can’t all be right
(RNS) — This pandemic could be a unique opportunity to listen to other voices, to learn how others view the world, to open ourselves to other possibilities.
