Demonstrators at a rally outside the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals Tuesday, Jan 28, 2020, in Richmond, Va. President Donald Trump’s travel ban on travelers from predominantly Muslim countries is going back before a federal appeals court. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Need to know: Thursday, March 12, 2020
House Democrats push for No Ban Act, as White House threatens veto over coronavirus
This week the Democrat-controlled House is scheduled to vote on the NO BAN Act, even as the White House argues that the bill could impede the government’s ability to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
With coronavirus concerns, sales up for prepackaged Communion cups and wafers
‘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.
Bethel still believes in miracles but discourages hospital visits for healing prayer
The church is discouraging Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry students — who evangelize to strangers as they learn to pray and to heal the sick — from visiting health care settings.
When church hymns don’t grieve with us
It’s hard to find solace in church when the hymns are mostly in major keys. In times of grieving, the Psalms can comfort us in the losses we all experience, writes David Taylor.
Democratic party hits control-alt-delete
The anti-Israel agenda? It is not a good look, and it is not winning, writes Jeffrey Salkin.
National Cathedral and hundreds of churches in Maryland, D.C., Virginia to close for two weeks
Episcopal churches in the District and the Maryland and Virginia suburbs — including Washington National Cathedral — are suspending worship services for two weeks because of the coronavirus.
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Biden faces backlash over pro-Modi staffer’s close Hindu nationalist ties
Former Vice President Joe Biden’s campaign is facing growing pressure from civil rights advocates over the campaign’s choice of Muslim outreach coordinator.
Episcopal diocese suspends Communion wine, drains baptismal fonts due to coronavirus
‘We’re to be good citizens, and we’re to be good neighbors,’ said the Rev. Mariann Budde, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, who distributed a letter outlining new diocesanwide policies meant to curb the spread of the disease.
Beyoncé Mass replaces hymns with ‘Survivor’ and ‘Flaws and All’
The Rev. Yolanda Norton, creator of Beyoncé Mass, said ‘this is not your grandma’s church,’ as she wore a 'Won’t SHE do it?!' T-shirt on the Kennedy Center stage.
More views from RNS
Why mainline Protestants might fear COVID-19 the most
(RNS) — If COVID-19 becomes a true global pandemic, it would deeply affect mainline Protestant churches, seven of which rank in the 10 religious traditions in the United States with the oldest, and therefore most vulnerable, members.
Does giving up social media for Lent deny the flesh? It’s complicated
If abstention from Instagram or Twitter is going to be more than a 'digital detox,' we need a new and better vocabulary to discuss the characteristic sins of 2020, writes Tara Isabella Burton.
Why Bernie Sanders brings out the Muslim vote
(RNS) — It's no secret that Donald Trump has exacerbated American suspicions of Islam and Muslims, but many Muslims see establishment Democrats as no less guilty of perpetuating Islamophobic suspicions.
