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.

Coronavirus fallout dampens spirits as Muslims mark major holiday

The holiday will begin on Saturday or Sunday, depending on the sighting of the new moon, and the dawn-to-dusk fasting of Ramadan will come to an end.

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.

US says California's reopening plan discriminates against churches

The head of the federal Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division told Gov. Gavin Newsom Tuesday that his plan to reopen California discriminates against churches.

New York pastor threatened with $1,000 fine for holding drive-in church service

A New York church with 40 members held a drive-in service Sunday after being warned by police that it was a violation of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's stay-at-home order amid the coronavirus pandemic.

When religion sided with science: Medieval lessons for surviving COVID-19

The idea of prayer as a vital part of any response to COVID-19 might feel inappropriate or even irresponsible to some in a world that often views medicine and religion as polar opposites – one turning to science, the other to God.

Diocese of Phoenix: Priest accused of sending inappropriate images to minor

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix says a priest has been removed from the ministry following allegations that he used a social media app to send inappropriate images to a minor.

Louisiana pastor who flouted social distancing urges Americans to donate stimulus checks to his church

Using #PastorSpellStimulusChallenge, Pastor Tony Spell is asking members of his congregation and other Americans to donate the stimulus money they received from the federal government to his church's fund designated to help evangelists, missionaries, and music ministers.

Self-described Florida 'church' ordered to stop selling coronavirus 'cure'

Prosecutors filed the motion in a South Florida court, requesting a temporary restraining order against the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing. The complaint argues that the “church” cures are dangerous and that the “church” is in fact a secular organization.

Sheriff cites California pastor for 'hiding' congregants on Easter Sunday

Before Easter, Sheriff Vernon H. Warnke said in a Facebook message that he, too, as a Christian would love to attend church in real life on the holiest day of the year. But he added that the people elected him to keep them safe and he warned that everyone must stay home. 

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.