Outrage after California bans singing in churches amid coronavirus pandemic
Faith leaders are speaking out after California Gov. Gavin Newsom banned singing and chanting in houses of worship last week due to a surge in coronavirus cases following weeks of protests.
Church advertises AR-15 gun giveaway at Sunday service that bans ‘ANTIFA-like’ apparel, baggy pants
A church in Troy, New York is facing criticism for holding a raffle giveaway offering church-goers the chance to win an AR-15 assault rifle.
Dozens demonstrate for removal of Father Serra statues
Dozens of people staged a demonstration on Saturday at the Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana in Mission Hills calling for the removal of statues of Father Junipero Serra, who founded nine of the 21 Catholic missions in California and was named a saint in 2015.
Orange County rabbi turns to technology for the first time amid pandemic
An Orange County rabbi is opening up about using technology for the first time to reach members in the wake of the pandemic.
Gov. Newsom releases new guidelines for places of worship to reopen
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday released requirements that would allow California churches to reopen.
A New California: Virtual church services may become the new normal
Houses of worship got the greenlight from Governor Gavin Newsom Monday.
Defiant Fontana church opens doors to public despite Gov. Newsom's ban
“We are not serving up Mc Jesus sermons, this is the real thing” said Pastor Patrick Scales to his mask-wearing, bible clutching parishioners.
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.
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.
Local pastor wants to reopen Riverside church, considers it 'essential'
A Riverside church wants to reopen its doors for people who would like to attend service because the pastor thinks it's essential.
DOJ sides with Mississippi church after congregants were fined for attending drive-in service
The DOJ released a statement of interest in support of Temple Baptist Church in Greenvillle, Miss., which has filed a lawsuit against the local police department, saying that the city of Greenville wrongfully targeted religious services.
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.
Historic virtual Easter Sunday services due to COVID-19 crisis
It will be an Easter like we have never experienced in history. This Sunday, it’s church via Zoom, live-stream or YouTube. “This Easter is going to be something we’ll remember for generations and generations,” says Diocese of Orange Auxiliary Bishop Tim Freyer.
L.A. Archbishop leads national moment of prayer asking for end of coronavirus pandemic
Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez led a National Prayer of the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Good Friday to ask for an end to the coronavirus pandemic.
Rabbi Chaim Mentz discusses celebrating Passover during the coronavirus pandemic
Rabbi Chaim Mentz from The Chabad of Bel Air talked about how Jews will navigate Passover in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.
Protests during Palm Sunday celebration defying COVID-19 restrictions during pandemic
People line up, a few feet apart, at Godspeak Calvary Chapel in Newbury Park, where communion was offered under the watchful eye of sheriff deputies and the loud car honking protests of area residents saying this was a danger to their community on Palm Sunday.
Tampa megachurch pastor cancels Sunday services, says he fears for congregation's safety
The embattled Tampa megachurch pastor who was arrested Monday after leading packed church services the day before -- despite social distancing orders from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office -- says he is canceling this coming Sunday's services.
Bishop responds after priest says abortion worse than pedophilia, which 'doesn't kill anyone'
A Roman Catholic bishop in Rhode Island responded to the controversy created by a priest who said abortion is worse than pedophilia and later sought to clarify his comments.
Pope apologizes for slapping hand of woman who pulled him
A woman behind a barrier reached out and grabbed the pope's hand, pulling him violently toward her. Francis reacted sharply, exclaimed something and then slapped her hand so she would let him go.