How the pandemic has affected Black churches

The parking lot at Berean Christian Church in Georgia sits empty and the sanctuary is silent.

Ashes to be sprinkled over parishioners' heads during pandemic Ash Wednesday

The coronavirus pandemic will change the way ashes are distributed to Christians worldwide on Ash Wednesday, the start of the Lenten season.

Mardi Gras 2021: Bars closed, Bourbon Street barricaded amid COVID-19 pandemic

Parades and parties on Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) and the days leading up to the annual pre-Lenten bash were canceled and bars were ordered closed this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

World's second-oldest person survives coronavirus at age 116

A 116-year-old French nun who is believed to be the world’s second-oldest person has survived COVID-19 and is looking forward to celebrating her 117th birthday on Thursday.

San Jose church fined $2M; other California churches open doors following new ruling

The justices said for now California can’t continue with a ban on indoor church services, but it can limit attendance to 25% of a building’s capacity and restrict singing and chanting inside.

Biden calls out 'political extremism' at National Prayer Breakfast

President Joe Biden called for a confrontation of the “political extremism” that inspired the U.S. Capitol riot in remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan quarantining after contact tests positive for COVID

Cardinal Timothy Dolan is quarantining himself after being in close contact last week with someone who has since tested positive for the coronavirus.

Ruins of an early mosque found by the Sea of Galilee

Recent excavations at the ancient city of Tiberias in northern Israel revealed the remnants of one of the earliest mosques in the Islamic world. The foundations of the Muslim house of worship date to the late 7th century. 

Holocaust survivors horrified by hatred on display at Capitol riot

On the 76th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp, the hatred and bigotry that led to the murder of 6 million Jews are ever-present.

Priest for voter fraud exorcisms leaves Wisconsin diocese

A priest who livestreamed exorcisms aimed at rooting out what he, former President Donald Trump and some Trump supporters have falsely claimed was widespread voting fraud in the presidential election has left a Roman Catholic diocese in Wisconsin.

'God is on your side': Group of US Catholic bishops call for support, defend LGBT youth against bullying

Declaring “God is on your side,” a Roman Catholic cardinal, an archbishop and six other U.S. bishops are declaring their support for LGBT youth and denouncing the bullying often directed at them.

Outbreak forces the closure of Connecticut home for retired nuns

Local health officials have ordered a Connecticut home for retired nuns closed to visitors and the public because of a coronavirus outbreak.

First Muslim NFL coach says 9/11 attacks changed his life

Robert Saleh, the new head coach of the New York Jets, returns to the city that shaped his life during one of the country's darkest moments.

Indian village celebrates Kamala Harris on Inauguration Day

People in a tiny Indian village watched on television as village descendant Kamala Harris took the oath to become the U.S. vice president. 

Joe Biden attends service at St. Matthews

President-Elect Joe Biden - who is making history as the nation's second Catholic president - attended services at St. Matthew the Apostle Cathedral in DC ahead of the Inauguration on Wednesday.

'Patron Saint of Internet' is fast-tracked to sainthood

Carlo Acutis looked like an ordinary teenager. However, Catholics around the world and Pope Francis believe that, during his short life, what he did here on Earth was extraordinary.

France to deport delivery man for refusing Kosher orders

A court in eastern France convicted a delivery driver of anti-Semitic discrimination on Thursday for refusing to take orders for kosher food, and Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said the Algerian man would be deported after he completes his prison sentence.