Religion

Churches Defy State Bans And Gather With Congregations

6:59am May 25, 2020

NPR's Rachel Martin talks to Rev. Kris Casey of Adams Square Baptist Church in Worcester, Mass., about why some churches are opening their doors despite state directives banning large gatherings.

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Episcopal Church Bishop On National Memorial Service For COVID-19 Victims

5:19pm May 24, 2020

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, about "A Time to Mourn," the national virtual memorial service to mourn the lives lost to COVID-19.

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Religious Leaders React To Trump's Call To Reopen Houses Of Worship

5:23pm May 23, 2020

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with two religious leaders, Imam Rizwan Ali and Reverend Thomas McKenzie, about President Trump's decision to classify houses of worship as essential during the pandemic.

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Muslims Prepare To Celebrate Eid Holiday Virtually

9:17am May 23, 2020

Eid is traditionally spent with family and friends, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Muslims across the U.S. will be celebrating the end of Ramadan virtually.

Roman Catholic and Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregations in Minnesota plan to resume worship services in defiance of the state's ban on gatherings of more than 10 people.

President Trump Sides With Churches Asserting A Right To Reopen

9:09am May 23, 2020

by Tom Gjelten

Trump declares houses of worship "essential" and warns governors not to oppose his instruction that they be allowed to reopen.

Religion

Some Religious Leaders Vow To Have In-Person Services Despite Government Orders

3:58pm May 22, 2020

by Tom Gjelten

Some religious leaders around the country keep saying they will reopen their churches despite government orders, and the Trump Administration is now siding with those churches.

A mix of traditional and nontraditional Arabic desserts served with Turkish coffee.

A Daughter Bakes A New Connection With Family During Ramadan

8:47am May 22, 2020

by Eslah Attar

At home in Ohio during the pandemic, photographer Eslah Attar is using newfound family time to learn from her mother and sister how to bake traditional desserts ahead of Eid al-Fitr.

Archdiocese Of Detroit Allows Parishioners To Attend Mass In-Person

6:02pm May 21, 2020

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with Rev. Stephen Pullis about the decision made by the Archdiocese of Detroit to allow parishioners to attend public mass in-person again.

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An illustration of a church vanishing as people walk by.

'Things Will Never Be The Same.' How The Pandemic Has Changed Worship

9:21am May 20, 2020

by Tom Gjelten

The closure of churches due to the coronavirus could have long-lasting effects on congregations. Some people say they have become more connected with their faith, while others may be drifting away.

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Muslims Celebrate Ramadan Virtually As Pandemic Restricts Large Gatherings

5:31am May 20, 2020

by Mohamad ElBardicy

Ramadan during the coronavirus pandemic has meant Muslims abandoning traditions of dinner gatherings and evening prayers at mosques. But many communities have taken celebrations online.

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