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.

Louisiana pastor who flouted social distancing urges Americans to donate stimulus checks to his church

Using #PastorSpellStimulusChallenge, Pastor Tony Spell is asking members of his congregation and other Americans to donate the stimulus money they received from the federal government to his church's fund designated to help evangelists, missionaries, and music ministers.

Sheriff cites California pastor for 'hiding' congregants on Easter Sunday

Before Easter, Sheriff Vernon H. Warnke said in a Facebook message that he, too, as a Christian would love to attend church in real life on the holiest day of the year. But he added that the people elected him to keep them safe and he warned that everyone must stay home. 

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.

Amid virus, world's Christians mark an Easter like no other

Christians around the world celebrated Easter Sunday isolated in their homes by the coronavirus while pastors preached the faith’s joyous news of Christ's resurrection to empty pews.

Christians around the world celebrate Easter Sunday under coronavirus
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Christians from around the world celebrated an Easter Sunday upended by the coronavirus without the usual crowded church Masses and large family gatherings.

Pope: Easter gives hope in our 'darkest hour,' despite fear

Easter offers a message of hope in people’s “darkest hour," Pope Francis said, as he celebrated a late-night vigil Mass Saturday in St. Peter’s Basilica, with the public barred because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a test of faith, Christians mark Good Friday in isolation

On the day set aside to mark Christ’s crucifixion, most churches stood empty. Streets normally filled with emotional processions were silent. St. Peter's Square was almost deserted. And many religious sites in the Holy Land were closed. Instead, Christians around the world commemorated Good Friday behind closed doors, seeking solace in online services and trying to uphold centuries-old traditions in a world locked down by the coronavirus pandemic.

Doctors, nurses in Good Friday procession at Vatican

The participation of Vatican medical personnel provided a stark reminder of how the virus outbreak has infused almost all walks of life.

Bunnies to the rescue: Chocolatiers get creative amid pandemic

Easter Sunday is normally the most important date on Belgian chocolate makers’ calendar. But the coronavirus pandemic, with its lockdowns and social distancing, have struck a hard blow to the country's emblematic $5.5-billion industry.

LGBT rabbi who confronted AIDS crisis now faces coronavirus

Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum is now fulfilling virtually all her duties without face-to-face contact — conducting services online and consoling grieving congregation members by phone rather than in person.

Timothy Cardinal Dolan on celebrating Easter under coronavirus
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Religious holidays are usually a time for big family dinners and community gatherings, but this year coronavirus is forcing us all to change our traditions. FOX 5 NY spoke with Timothy Cardinal Dolan about how Easter will be celebrated this year during an unusual Holy Week.