Most Church Records Oddly Silent on 1918 Pandemic
The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 was deadly but not altogether noteworthy to many Baptists, historians say. Read full piece
COVID-19 Pandemic Increasing Discrimination Against Egypt’s Christians
Persecution is the reality of life in Egypt for Christians, and it is gotten worse over the past decade, according to a leading human rights group. Read full piece
Nun Runs Treadmill Marathon, Raises Money for Chicago’s Poor
When the Chicago Marathon was canceled due to coronavirus, Sister Stephanie Baliga decided to put on her sneakers and run the standard 26.2 miles — in her convent’s basement.
Churches Report Giving Boost Months after Pandemic Started
Giving to congregations has shifted upward after churches closed their buildings earlier this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, a survey shows. The new State of the Plate research finds that close to two-thirds (64%) of churches across the country reported in August that giving is
The Pandemic at Six Months: Welcome to the Disillusionment Phase
Sunday marked six months since the U.S. declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency. We are now in the disillusionment phase as numerous psychological studies are showing increased rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
These Priests are Trying to Keep Faith Alive in the Italian Alps During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Roland Reinstadler follows two priests, Father Christian and Father Markus, as they tend to the faithful in the villages of the Italian Alps, where faith remains strong even, and maybe especially, in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Read full piece
California Catholics Adjust To Outdoor Worship During Pandemic
Modern-day Catholic worship rarely happens outdoors or outside of a church building. Canon law says the Eucharist must be celebrated in a sacred space, except when specific circumstances require otherwise. Read full piece
Judge Grants Injunction Barring John MacArthur, Grace Community Church from Meeting Indoors
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge granted a preliminary injunction Thursday (Sept. 10) against Grace Community Church, prohibiting Pastor John MacArthur from holding indoor worship services.
Christian Musician Sean Feucht Holds Seattle Worship Protest after Concert Banned
A battle of wills between a California musician known for a series of open-air Christian worship concerts around the country and the city of Seattle, Washington, which denied him a park venue for a Labor Day concert, ended with a two-hour “worship protest” being held
Pandemic Prompts Churches to Consider Permanent Changes
Every church has adjusted some aspects of ministry since the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic. But some congregations are already turning from the question of how to shift from the current moment toward changes for the long-term future.