Amid COVID-19, most churches provide hybrid worship, half stopped picnics
(RNS) — Eight in 10 U.S. churches now provide hybrid services, offering options for congregants to worship either in person or online during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research.
Remnant of one of the oldest Black churches in U.S. unveiled in Virginia
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (RNS) – Archaeologists believe they have discovered the foundation of the original building of the First Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Va., one of the nation's oldest Black churches.
Billy Graham’s grandson Jonathan Lotz in hospital with COVID-19
NORTH CAROLINA (RNS) — Jonathan Lotz, the grandson of evangelist Billy Graham and son of Bible teacher Anne Graham Lotz, has been hospitalized and is in critical condition with COVID-19.
Dwight McKissic, dozens of others receive shelter at SWBTS
FORT WORTH, Texas (RNS) – Texas Pastor Dwight McKissic is known for challenging his fellow Southern Baptists about racial equity and, more recently, their denomination’s seminary leaders’ statement on race.
New Labor Department rule expands religious exemption for federal contractors
(RNS) — The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a new rule intended to foster "full and equal participation" of religious groups as federal contractors.
Salvation Army starts red kettle program early amid ‘tsunami of human need’
(RNS) – The Salvation Army is kicking off its annual red kettle campaign more than two months early this year in hopes of meeting an increased need for assistance during the coronavirus pandemic.
Churches report encouraging trends in giving amid pandemic
(AP/RNS) – Giving to congregations has shifted upward after churches closed their buildings earlier this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, a survey shows.
Three California churches sue Gov. Newsom for ban on singing in places of worship
CALIFORNIA (AP/RNS) -- Three evangelical churches in California have sued Gov. Gavin Newsom for banning singing and chanting in places of worship but permitting such activities elsewhere. The state's July 13 order, which closed churches in at least 30 counties, permits worship services as well as fitness centers, hotels, shopping malls and protests to remain open or active in Mendocino and Butte counties, where the suing churches are located.
