New York opens the door to small religious gatherings
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said New York will allow small religious gatherings starting Thursday. Religious gatherings of up to 10 people will be allowed statewide as long as participants wear masks and practice social distancing. The state also is allowing drive-in and parking lot services.
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.
Pandemic will alter Communion rituals for many US Christians
Holy Communion will undergo major changes once the country reopens.
Catholic church closes after priests get coronavirus
A Catholic church in Houston has closed its doors after five of its leaders tested positive for COVID-19, including two priests who had helped celebrate public masses which had resumed earlier this month.
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.
NYPD shuts down Brooklyn Orthodox school
Police in New York shut down a Yeshiva school that was operating in defiance of a mandatory coronavirus shutdown.
Priest uses squirt gun to shoot holy water and maintain social distancing
A priest in Detroit has been using a squirt gun to dispense holy water and maintain social distancing.
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.
Houses of worship gain audience by going online during virus
From the Vatican, to the village church, to mosques and temples, shuttered places of worship are streaming religious services for a global audience during the pandemic. Many viewers are embracing the change as they seek spiritual help and connections with others.
Young Brooklyn priest loses mentor, then his father -- both to virus
The Rev. Joseph Dutan lost his mentor and the first Catholic priest in the United States to die from the coronavirus. Days later, Dutan’s own father contracted COVID-19. Dutan has mourned personal loss while he continues to console the community of St. Brigid Catholic church in Brooklyn during the pandemic.
FBI: Suspect in weapons sting made anti-Semitic posts online
The FBI says two men bought rifles with obliterated serial numbers from an undercover agent.
Report: Anti-Semitic incidents in US hit record high in 2019
The Jewish civil rights group counted the highest annual tally since the New York City-based group began tracking anti-Semitic incidents in 1979.
‘God is a superhero’: Little girl delivers passionate sermon from home amid pandemic
4-year-old Grace delivers a passionate sermon from her Alabama home.
Church faces $300 fine for holding worship services
The pastor of a Massachusetts church faces a $300 civil fine for allegedly ignoring the state's ban on gatherings of 10 or more people during the coronavirus pandemic.
NYPD shuts down another Hasidic funeral
Tensions between police and members of New York City’s Hasidic Jewish community flared again Thursday as officers interrupted a crowded funeral procession to crack down on social distancing violators.
Mayor de Blasio slammed for breaking up rabbi's funeral
Mayor Bill de Blasio blasted the Jewish community in Williamsburg following a large turnout for a rabbi's funeral during the coronavirus pandemic.
Health officials ready new guidelines as restrictions ease
The Trump administration is reviewing proposed new guidelines for how restaurants, schools, churches and businesses can safely reopen as states look to gradually lift their coronavirus restrictions.