For Most Churchgoers, Controversy Between Religious Freedom and Public Health Is Not Real
Religious freedom is a wedge issue among politicians in this pandemic, but not among Americans, including believers.
When It Comes to Reopening Churches in the Pandemic, Supreme Court Says Grace Ain’t Groceries
The highest court in the land has given states some leeway in determining when and how to safely reopen places of worship during the COVID-19 pandemic. The move lends support to state officials making science-informed decisions that may inhibit church congregants from fully engaging in
Officials Cite Mistakes as CDC Removes Coronavirus Guidance
U.S. health officials removed some coronavirus reopening tips for religious organizations only hours after posting them late last week, deleting guidance that discouraged choir gatherings and the use of shared communion cups.
White House and CDC Remove Coronavirus Warnings About Choirs in Faith Guidance
The Trump administration with no advance notice removed warnings contained in guidance for the reopening of houses of worship that singing in choirs can spread the coronavirus.
‘Chair for One’: Creating Community for Singles as Onsite Worship Resumes
While individual households are allowed to sit together to adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) coronavirus guidelines, how will single-member households be seated?
“You are a Compromised Coward”—Discussing How to Resume Gathered Worship
The uncertainty of this current crisis combined with our polarized culture has led us to this moment when pastors face one of the most contested decisions in the life of their church. One that will be weighed and measured for years to come regardless of
As Coronavirus ‘Storm Cloud’ Gathers, Black Church in Missouri Braces for Mourning
When Traci Blackmon, the senior pastor for a predominantly black church in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri, is finally able to open the doors for service again, one of her main concerns is the collective sorrow her congregation will experience.
How to Safely Reopen Your Church and Reduce Legal Liability
Services may look different until the COVID-19 threat lessens, but with cities reopening across the country, there are steps your church can take to make a smooth transition back into live, in-person services.
3 Questions for Church Leaders to Ask Before Reopening
Experts recently discussed three questions that church leaders need to be asking before making the decision to reopen their facilities: considering government restrictions, connecting without putting people at risk, and reflecting on their own leadership formation.
Essential Worship
Perhaps we shouldn’t applaud being called “essential.” A government with the power to designate us as “essential” also has the power to designate us as not.