Court Upholds California Ban on Church Services in Pandemic
California Gov. Gavin Newsom had the right to ban church assemblies in the interest of public health during the coronavirus outbreak, a federal judge ruled on May 5.
Oklahoma Church Plans Seniors-Only Worship Gathering
Evergreen Baptist Church in Bixby, Okla., plans to reopen its building May 17 for an in-person worship service – but only for those age 55 and older.
Swedish Baptists Minister in New Ways Amid Coronavirus
Although some commentators in the U.S. point to Sweden as an alternative example of how to respond to the coronavirus with fewer restrictions, for Baptists in that country, worship and ministry has been impacted in ways similar to U.S. churches.
Jim Bakker Seeks Suit Dismissal; Ex-Governor Is His Lawyer
Missouri-based TV pastor Jim Bakker is asking a judge to dismiss a state lawsuit accusing him of falsely claiming that a health supplement could cure the coronavirus, and the lawyer representing Bakker is former Gov. Jay Nixon.
Mo. Gov. Pushes Prayer, Quizzed on Preferential Treatment
After weeks of saying Missouri would reopen May 4 from coronavirus shutdown orders, Gov. Mike Parson on Friday declared a statewide “Day of Prayer.” His announcement added to questions he has given unconstitutional preferential treatment to Christianity during official government briefings on coronavirus.
Poll: The ‘Trump Bump’ Is Over, Especially Among White Christians
President Trump’s job approval ratings among some faith groups jumped in March as the number of coronavirus infections began to spread across the country. But that "Trump bump" has all but disappeared.
Cedarville Places President on Leave, Announces Investigations
Cedarville University trustees placed school president Thomas White on administrative leave Friday (May 1) amid controversy over his hiring and firing of a faculty member accused of sexual abuse.
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.