Three California Churches Sue Gov. Newsom for Ban on Singing in Worship
Three evangelical churches in California have sued Gov. Gavin Newsom for banning singing and chanting in places of worship but permitting such activities elsewhere.
California: 2 Church Services Sources of Virus Outbreaks
As Gov. Gavin Newsom prepares to release plans for how religious institutions can reopen in California during the coronavirus pandemic, health officials announced that two church services that were held without authorization have been sources of outbreaks.
US Says California Order Discriminates Against Churches
The head of the federal Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division told Gov. Gavin Newsom May 19 that his plan to reopen California discriminates against churches. Eric S. Dreiband said Newsom should allow some in-person worship under the current second phase of his four-part reopening plan.
More Churches Reopening as Some Close Again Amid New Outbreaks
As restrictions on mass gatherings across the country are relaxed to allow in-person worship services, a couple churches that already reopened have again suspended in-person services after new coronavirus outbreaks in their congregations.
Christian Leaders Push to Reopen Early in Southern California
Some Southern California pastors agree with Gov. Gavin Newsom it’s time to start opening up their state — including its churches — after weeks of being shut down to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. They disagree, however, on how fast that should happen.
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.
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.
Churches Seek to Put Affordable Housing in ‘God’s Backyard’
Faith congregations across California are responding to the state’s housing crisis by sharing their parking lots with people living in their cars, providing mobile showers for the homeless, and joining their neighbors in calling for rent control in their communities.
Church Models Low-Cost, Replicable Homeless Ministry
EL CAJON, Calif. (BP) -- On a vacant lot at Slade's senior pastorate Meridian Baptist Church in El Cajon, Calif., a tiny cabin is being built as an emergency, secure shelter for homeless women and children.
Calif. Quakes Prompt Southern Baptist Response
RIDGECREST, Calif. (BP) -- A group of local, church volunteers had finished a day of cleaning up and repairing damage to Immanuel Baptist Church, Ridgecrest, Calif., following a 6.4 earthquake on July 4. The next night, the 7.1 earthquake undid their hard work and then