RNS Morning Report: Skid Row ‘Hippie Kitchen’; Digital Pilgrimages; LifeWay Announces Cuts

A Los Angeles Catholic Worker member, center, offers hand cleaner to those who need it, Tuesday, April 28, 2020, while distributing free meals in Los Angeles’ Skid Row. RNS photo by Alejandra Molina

Need to know: Thursday, April 30, 2020

On LA’s Skid Row, Catholic Worker’s ‘Hippie Kitchen’ adjusts to COVID-19

Volunteers at the Los Angeles Catholic Worker soup kitchen are improvising to continue services while preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Digital pilgrimages allow the faithful to travel the world from their couches

From hashtagged photos posted on Instagram to immersive apps, digital pilgrimages are making spiritual journeys possible for the faithful, even as they stay home.

Southern Baptist publishing arm, LifeWay, announces cuts due to COVID-19

The move comes after five consecutive weeks of steep revenue decline in the wake of the coronavirus and the expectation that sales may not rebound anytime soon. 

Some Catholics suffer sacramental withdrawal as virtual confessions are ruled out

With social distancing and a ban on cellphone confessions, some Catholics are experiencing sacramental withdrawal.

We should all mourn for the ultra-Orthodox

Jew-haters with guns are no longer the greatest threat to Jews. The new enemy is invisible, writes Jeffrey Salkin.

Yusuf Islam AKA Cat Stevens to lead BBC Ramadan series

The 1970s singer-songwriter formerly known as Cat Stevens, who converted to Islam and renounced his life as a musician, is to lead a series of spiritual reflections for the BBC during Ramadan.

 


 

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NYC mayor takes heat after lashing out at Jewish funeral

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio defended his tweets criticizing a large Jewish funeral.

Suspect charged in fire that destroyed Missouri mosque

Police arrested a suspect in a Missouri mosque fire. Mosque leaders say the building has been declared a total loss and would require about $1 million in repairs.

More than $400,000 so far raised for small churches at risk during COVID-19

Through the relief fund, 109 churches have been earmarked for funding. More than 1,010 applications for funding have been submitted.

More views from RNS

The formal United Methodist schism is delayed. We can start sooner.

(RNS) — With a vote postponed due to the coronavirus, we can still start moving toward a better Methodist future without endless battles.

Why the restored Notre Dame cathedral must remain a church

(RNS) — Some are asking if Paris’ restored cathedral should serve as a cultural center. The archbishop of Paris argues that its mission as a church is critical to the city and mankind.

Cedarville’s plan to save Anthony Moore abandoned its students — and Moore

Welcoming an admitted sexual offender into the sort of environment that facilitated his previous crime did not show love for him or the student body, writes Russell L. Meek.