A Shot or Not
Jeanie McGowan reflects on the decision to get a COVID-19 vaccination, and how the experience went. She also notes how she and her husband will continue to do their part to help their community stop the spread of the virus.
Coronavirus Challenging Denominational Summer Conventions Yet Again
For the second year, denominational annual meetings are being derailed and reworked due to the coronavirus pandemic. Read full piece
United Methodists Reschedule Meeting — & Decision on Splitting — Again
The United Methodist Church has once again postponed its quadrennial meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic, delaying further a widely anticipated vote by delegates from across the globe on a proposal to split the denomination over the inclusion of LGBTQ members.
Vaccinated for Virus, Jimmy Carter & Wife Back in Church
Now that former President Jimmy Carter and his wife are vaccinated against COVID-19, they have returned to one of their favorite things: church. Maranatha Baptist Church in tiny Plains, Georgia, announced on its Facebook page Wednesday that the Carters were again attending worship in person.
Display of 15,000 Flags at Church Memorializes COVID Victims
On Sunday, Feb. 21, local clergy gathered on the lawn of the First Christian Church of Decatur to remember Georgia victims of COVID-19. An artistic display of 15,000 small white flags represented the 15,000 Georgians who have died from the disease in the past year. Read
In Pandemic, Clergy Risk Illness, Even Death to Minister to the Sick & Their Loved Ones
Ministering to the ill or dying is a major role of spiritual leaders in all religions. Susan Dunlap, a divinity professor at Duke University, said covid-19 creates an even greater feeling of obligation for clergy because many patients are isolated from family members. Read full piece
In-Person Church Services Dipped Again in January Amid COVID Surge
Most churches have found a way to continue meeting despite the ongoing pandemic, but fewer met in person in January as COVID-19 cases spiked across the country. A new study from Nashville-based Lifeway Research found 76% of U.S. Protestant pastors say their churches met in
More than 20 States Debate Bills that Would Protect In-Person Church Services
Legislators across the country are considering nearly 50 bills dealing with religious freedom protections during a pandemic. Word&Way Editor Brian Kaylor is quoted in this article. Read full piece
Vaccine Availability for Clergy Varies by State
As states continue with the initial rollout of vaccines for COVID-19, the availability for pastors depends on their location as well as the definition of “essential.” Clergy are already eligible in some states, but not in others.
Black People Still Aren’t Getting COVID Vaccines. This Pastor Isn’t Having It
Noel Jones wants more Black Angelenos to get vaccinated, as we are among the most likely to contract and die of COVID-19 along with Latinos. Read full piece