Mo. Rabbis Offer Religious Exemption to In-Person Voting
A group of three dozen rabbis signed an open letter urging Jews in Missouri to invoke religious beliefs in order to vote absentee during the coronavirus outbreak. The argument in the letter could be critical to allowing more people to vote without visiting a polling place during the pandemic.
Cost Concerns Keep U.S. Adults from Seeking Medical Care for Possible COVID-19
Potential costs are hindering some U.S. adults from seeking medical care for symptoms associated with COVID-19, according to a Gallup report published April 28.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kansas Governor, Churches Reach Deal on COVID-19 Lawsuit
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said she has reached a deal that could resolve a lawsuit brought by two churches challenging her order banning religious gatherings of more than 10 people to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Indiana Church Begins Offering Small In-Person Services
A suburban Indianapolis church held services on Sunday for the first time in more than a month, taking care to ensure that worshippers adhered to social-distancing best practices and limiting attendance to conform to the governor's coronavirus guidance.
US Judge Denies Bid to Open California Churches in Pandemic
A federal judge on Wednesday said he will deny a bid by three Southern California churches to hold in-person church services during the pandemic, saying that government's emergency powers trump what in normal times would be fundamental constitutional rights.