'We all need to stand together': City leaders denounce violence, encourage peaceful protests in Philadelphia
The peaceful nature of the Justice for George Floyd protest was overshadowed by ensuing violence and ultimately prompted a strong police response and a mandatory, city-wide curfew set to resume at 8 p.m. Sunday.
US faith leaders wrestle twin traumas in protests, virus
American religious leaders across faiths are grappling with the heavy burden of helping to heal two active traumas: rising civil unrest driven by the police killing of George Floyd and the coronavirus pandemic.
Oakland pastor recovers from COVID-19, urges churches not to reopen until it's safe
Reverend Johnnie Clark with Word Assembly Church in East Oakland said it's a matter of life and death.
2 California church services sources of virus outbreaks, officials say
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.
New Jersey church reopens in spite of Gov. Murphy's stay-at-home order
Solid Rock Baptist Church, located in Berlin, began its Sunday Service at 10 a.m. although Gov. Murphy has yet to deem churches essential amid the health crisis.
Archdiocese of Philadelphia to resume services after Trump deems churches ‘essential’
In Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Wolf says houses of worship were never closed but large gatherings were banned to control social gathering and limit risk of spreading COVID-19.
CDC warns of COVID-19 spread in group gatherings after 2 people infect dozens at church
The health agency shared a graphic detailing how two symptomatic persons infected at least 35 individuals at a church.
Trump deems houses of worship 'essential,' calls on governors to allow them to reopen
Trump said if governors don’t abide by his request, he will “override” them, though it’s unclear what authority he has to do so.
Trump: Houses of worship to be deemed 'essential'
President Donald Trump said he's correcting an injustice as he unveiled new guidance for reopening churches and other houses of worship during an announcement Friday afternoon at the White House.
FOP chaplain visits hospitals, organizes blood drives during COVID-19 pandemic
A chaplain with FOP Lodge 5 is visiting hospitals and organizing blood drives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
1,200 California pastors to defy state's stay-at-home order on May 31
More than 1,200 California pastors say they will resume in-person services on May 31 in defiance of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s stay-at-home order to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.
Camden County church holds Sunday service in defiance of NJ order
A New Jersey church opened its doors on Sunday in defiance of the state's mitigation guidelines that prevent masses and other large gatherings from taking place.
Poll: 63% of religious Americans believe COVID-19 pandemic is message from God for humanity to change
A poll of 1,002 adults was conducted April 30-May 4 that found that 31% of Americans who believe feel strongly that the virus is a sign from God telling humanity to change.
Trenton churches reopen for private prayer, mitigation guidelines required
The Diocese of Trenton says churchgoers must wear a mask and maintain social distance while inside the building.
Strong faith keeps Wentz focused on something bigger
Constant scrutiny and intense criticism are part of the job for quarterbacks. In Philly, it’s loud and consistent. But Wentz doesn’t break.
Upper Salford church serves as FEMA food distribution site for families in need
An Upper Salford church is serving as a FEMA food distribution site for families in need,
Louisiana pastor who flouted social distancing urges Americans to donate stimulus checks to his church
A pastor in Louisiana is asking congregants and other Americans to donate their stimulus checks to his church.
Priest at Jesuit community near St. Joseph University dies of coronavirus
The priest, who was not identified, died at a nearby hospital. Other afflicted residents are being monitored.
Churches sue California governor over antivirus orders
The churches argue that the state and local orders are overly broad and that they can practice safe social distancing in the same manner as grocery stores and other outlets that are considered essential services and allowed to remain open.
Philadelphia ministry holds Easter service for people in need
With bottled water baptisms and contact-free communion, Chosen 300 parish held a Resurrection Day Celebration in Love Park Sunday morning.