Church Officials Weigh Canceling Services Amid COVID-19
A political division is apparent in church responses to the coronavirus. Many are canceling services but some with a pro-Trump leaning are resisting.
religion
Coronavirus: Congregational Response
NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Tom Pruski, director of Wesley Theological Seminary's Heal the Sick Initiative, about how congregations should respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
Barbara C. Harris, First Female Bishop In Anglican Communion, Dies At 89
Harris made history and broke centuries of precedent when she became the first female bishop in the Anglican Communion in 1989. She was known for speaking out for gay rights in the church.
'I Thought It Would Be Safe': Uighurs In Turkey Now Fear China's Long Arm
Once viewed as a refuge by members of the Muslim minority group, Turkey has detained Uighurs and told them to hush criticism about the Chinese government. Some have already been deported.
Churches Grapple With Whether To Suspend Worship Services
The decision of whether to cancel worship services depends on health considerations, government orders, and maybe even political leanings. Smaller churches face bigger problems.
Survey: White Evangelicals See Trump As 'Honest' And 'Morally Upstanding'
A new survey from the Pew Research Center shows that U.S. evangelicals are far more likely than other Americans to see President Trump as "honest" and "morally upstanding" and "somewhat religious."
International Women's Day: With Shoes And Stones, Islamists Disrupt Pakistan Rally
The demonstrators, who were at a rival event held by hardline Islamist groups, were particularly enraged by one slogan the women's day rally adopted: "mera jism, mera marzi" – "my body, my choice."
Saudi Arabia Halts International Travel Into Country Over Coronavirus Concerns
Saudi Arabia has canceled all international travel into the country due to the coronavirus. That's affecting Muslims around the world who were planning pilgrimages this year to the holy city of Mecca.
How Some Churches Are Trying To Prevent Spread Of Coronavirus Among Congregants
Churches are taking extra precautions regarding the coronavirus, as practices such as passing the peace through handshakes and drinking from the common cup at communion could spread the illness.
Keep The Faith, Lose The Germs: Clergy Rethink Customs In The Age Of Coronavirus
As more cases of coronavirus are confirmed in the U.S., clergy are reconsidering a variety of practices during religious services, from handshakes to close contact. Experts say that's a wise idea.