Archdiocese of NY unveils plan for phased worship reopening

The Archdiocese of New York is planning for a phased-in reopening during the coronavirus pandemic. Its five-phase plan uses protocols developed with the advice of medical professionals to help safeguard worshipers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Catholic Charities of New York opens pop-up food pantry in Queens
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Catholic Charities of New York is giving back to one of the communities hardest-hit by COVID-19, handing out nearly 5,000 bags of food to needy families in Elmhurst, Queens.

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.

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.

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.