Illinois Order Revised to Allow Small, Safe Worship Services
Illinois will allow small, safe worship services during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a modified extension of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's stay-at-home order that took effect Friday.
As States Ease Lockdown Restrictions, Churches Must Decide When — and How — to Reopen
The Rev. Jim West was feeling terrified as the state of Tennessee — and the church he pastors there — prepared to reopen after a month under stay-at-home orders. But he was also looking forward to it.
Court Weighs in on Applying Mass Gathering Ban to Ky. Churches
A federal appeals court on Saturday declined to block the Kentucky governor's temporary ban on massing gatherings from applying to in-person religious services.
LifeWay to Discontinue World Changers Projects Amid COVID-19
LifeWay Christian Resources is canceling World Changers mission projects for summer 2020 and closing all future operations due to declining numbers and the inability to host projects this summer because of COVID-19.
Pass the Plate? Not Yet, as Churches Rethink Their Routines
It's almost unheard of to go into a Southern Baptist church and not have a plate passed for donations — until now. About 800 church leaders from across the country participated in a Florida Family Policy Council video conference on the coronavirus impact and what to
Catholics Sue St. Louis County to Block Coronavirus Church Restriction
Four Catholic laypersons in St. Louis, Missouri, filed a joint lawsuit Tuesday (April 28) challenging the “draconian restrictions” in St. Louis County’s stay-at-home order that limit religious gatherings to no more than 10 people. A hearing in the case is set for May 7.
List India as Top Religious Freedom Violator, Says Watchdog Group
India, which recently passed legislation that experts say is detrimental to Muslims, should be placed on the U.S. government’s list of most egregious religious freedom violators, a watchdog agency says in its new report.
More Than $400,000 so Far Raised for Small Churches at Risk During COVID-19
An initiative that seeks to financially help small and struggling churches in the wake of COVID-19 has raised more than $400,000 and received over 1,000 applications for funding.
Many Churches Hesitant to Follow State Reopening Calls
As politicians are reopening states and saying churches can again meet in person, many churches remain hesitant to rush back into their sanctuaries since the risk of coronavirus remains. Pastors in Georgia particularly spoke out over the weekend as the state led the country in
In Rural Georgia COVID-19 Hotspot, Pastors Cautious of Resuming Onsite Worship
Pastor Michael Catt would like to resume onsite congregational activities at Sherwood Baptist Church in the unlikely COVID-19 hotspot of rural Albany, Ga., but he's too concerned with the safety of his congregation and the community to take the risk.