Pew Research Center

Religion & Public Life

April 30, 2020
Daily Religion Headlines
NEW FROM PEW RESEARCH CENTER
The COVID-19 pandemic ([link removed]) , which has transformed virtually every aspect of public life in America, also has touched a very intimate part of Americans’ lives: their religious faith and worship habits. Some Americans say their religious faith has strengthened as a result of the outbreak, even as the vast majority of U.S. churchgoers report that their congregations have closed regular worship services to the public, according to anew Pew Research Center survey ([link removed]) .

Abortion remains a contentious issue ([link removed]) among U.S. Christians. But when millions of churchgoers file into the pews each week, what do they really hear? Another new Pew Research Center analysis ([link removed]) finds that just 4% of sermons shared on U.S. church websites in the spring of 2019 discussed abortion even once – and when they did, it was rarely mentioned repeatedly. Still, pastors who broached the topic were nearly unanimous in their opposition to abortion.
U.S. Headlines
2,500 mourners jam a Hasidic funeral, creating a flash point for de Blasio ([link removed])
The New York Times *

Orthodox Jews beset by virus grapple with NYC mayor’s rebuke ([link removed])
The Associated Press

Some Catholics suffer sacramental withdrawal as virtual confessions are ruled out ([link removed])
Religion News Service

Many Houston-area churches not planning to reopen after governor clears way for larger services ([link removed])
Houston Chronicle *

Ex-congregant charged with breaking into minister’s home ([link removed])
The Associated Press

Southern Baptist publishing arm, LifeWay, announces cuts due to COVID-19 ([link removed])
Religion News Service


International Headlines
The pandemic and rising Islamophobia mar Ramadan in India ([link removed])
The Associated Press

Israel deems women’s ritual baths essential, leaving some conflicted over virus risk ([link removed])
The Washington Post *

Germany to set out rules for religious services including singing ban ([link removed])
The Guardian

German government bans Hezbollah — Interior Ministry ([link removed])
Deutsche Welle

Vatican’s ‘Robin Hood’ helps feed transsexual prostitutes hit by lockdown ([link removed])
Reuters

Mass protests: Lockdown tests priests’ patience ([link removed])
Politico

Libya’s renegade general Haftar announces Ramadan truce ([link removed])
Al Jazeera

As Malaysia battles the coronavirus, its Rohingya refugees face a torrent of hate ([link removed])
South China Morning Post *


Analysis & Commentary
As American Muslims fast this Ramadan, maybe the rest of America should consider joining in ([link removed])
The Washington Post *

The formal United Methodist schism is delayed. We can start sooner ([link removed])
Religion News Service

Brazilian mystics say they’re sent by aliens to ‘jump-start human evolution’ – but their vision for a more just society is not totally crazy ([link removed])
The Conversation

The great Clearblue shortage of 2020 ([link removed])
The Week

Hazmat suits and holy water: Two priests bring faith to Philippines lockdown ([link removed])
Reuters


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