Nation

The nation’s top doctor urged faith leaders to follow federal guidelines and partner with local health officials as they learn new ways to lead congregants coping with the coronavirus pandemic in a two-day summit releasing videos on topics ranging from advocacy for the vulnerable to crisis communications.

The White House held calls with religious leaders last week to encourage their support of its guidelines for addressing the coronavirus, gathering more than a thousand people on three phone calls. When Trump briefly took part in the Friday call, he addressed the pending election as well as the pandemic.

As in-person worship services are canceled or downsized amid the coronavirus outbreak, some churches across the U.S. are bracing for a painful drop in weekly contributions and possible cutbacks in programs and staff.

Rev. Bryan Catherman's neighbors were crying Wednesday, afraid the 5.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Salt Lake City, Utah, a few hours earlier signaled the end of the world.

On Wednesday (March 19), Trump administration officials continued to call out those who have violated government recommendations to avoid meeting in groups larger than 10 people. But they said little about the subset of faith communities that is resisting their guidance:

As university campuses around the country shut down and move classes online in efforts to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, chaplains and faith-based campus groups are stepping in to ease the transition.

Of the 10 religious traditions in the United States that have the oldest members, the top seven are mainline Protestant traditions.

The coronavirus pandemic has prompted multiple religious faiths to change or cancel services as houses of worship try to help contain the disease. But some church leaders are also tackling another task: communicating a message that elevates both faith and science.

Bobbie Harris, 79, lost her rental home, her job and her church when a deadly tornado struck her community in North Nashville. But all she could think about was her blessings.

For the first time in his life, Darrin Crockett is glad God did not answer his prayer.