2,500 mourners jam a Hasidic funeral, creating a flash point for de Blasio
The New York Times *
Orthodox Jews beset by virus grapple with NYC mayor’s rebuke
The Associated Press
Some Catholics suffer sacramental withdrawal as virtual confessions are ruled out
Religion News Service
Many Houston-area churches not planning to reopen after governor clears way for larger services
Houston Chronicle *
Ex-congregant charged with breaking into minister’s home
The Associated Press
Southern Baptist publishing arm, LifeWay, announces cuts due to COVID-19
Religion News Service
Religion & Public Life
April 30, 2020
Daily Religion Headlines
NEW FROM PEW RESEARCH CENTER
The COVID-19 pandemic, 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 a new Pew Research Center survey.
Abortion remains a contentious issue 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 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.
The COVID-19 pandemic, 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 a new Pew Research Center survey.
Abortion remains a contentious issue 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 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
International Headlines
The pandemic and rising Islamophobia mar Ramadan in India
The Associated Press
Israel deems women’s ritual baths essential, leaving some conflicted over virus risk
The Washington Post *
Germany to set out rules for religious services including singing ban
The Guardian
German government bans Hezbollah — Interior Ministry
Deutsche Welle
Vatican’s ‘Robin Hood’ helps feed transsexual prostitutes hit by lockdown
Reuters
Mass protests: Lockdown tests priests’ patience
Politico
Libya’s renegade general Haftar announces Ramadan truce
Al Jazeera
As Malaysia battles the coronavirus, its Rohingya refugees face a torrent of hate
South China Morning Post *
The Associated Press
Israel deems women’s ritual baths essential, leaving some conflicted over virus risk
The Washington Post *
Germany to set out rules for religious services including singing ban
The Guardian
German government bans Hezbollah — Interior Ministry
Deutsche Welle
Vatican’s ‘Robin Hood’ helps feed transsexual prostitutes hit by lockdown
Reuters
Mass protests: Lockdown tests priests’ patience
Politico
Libya’s renegade general Haftar announces Ramadan truce
Al Jazeera
As Malaysia battles the coronavirus, its Rohingya refugees face a torrent of hate
South China Morning Post *
Analysis & Commentary
As American Muslims fast this Ramadan, maybe the rest of America should consider joining in
The Washington Post *
The formal United Methodist schism is delayed. We can start sooner
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
The Conversation
The great Clearblue shortage of 2020
The Week
Hazmat suits and holy water: Two priests bring faith to Philippines lockdown
Reuters
The Washington Post *
The formal United Methodist schism is delayed. We can start sooner
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
The Conversation
The great Clearblue shortage of 2020
The Week
Hazmat suits and holy water: Two priests bring faith to Philippines lockdown
Reuters
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