Religion

Pandemic Inspires Creative Way To Fill Needs, Cantor At LA Synagogue Says

7:12am April 29, 2020

Mike Stein, a cantor at Temple Aliyah in Los Angeles, talks about ministering with music during the pandemic. These days he has been holding services on Facebook, YouTube and Zoom.

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India Home Minister Amit Shah (center) introduced India's new citizenship law that fast-tracks naturalization for some non-Muslim migrants. Opponents say it violates India's secular constitution.

Religious Freedom In India Takes 'Drastic Turn Downward,' U.S. Commission Says

8:45pm April 28, 2020

by Tom Gjelten

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is challenging the Trump administration to take a tougher line toward India, given its discriminatory treatment of Muslims.

Ramadan Callers In Gaza Remind People To Wash Up

5:10pm April 27, 2020

by Daniel Estrin

The men who bang drums to wake people up for the early-morning Ramadan meal in Gaza have added rhymes to their cadences to remind people to wash their hands and stay safe.

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Religion

Celebrating Ramadan During A Pandemic

6:06pm April 25, 2020

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Imam Rizwan Ali of the Islamic Center of Naperville about celebrating Ramadan during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Religion

Outbreak Voices: A Retired Pastor Steps Outside To Comfort The Grieving

8:04am April 25, 2020

John Thompson of Colombia, S.C., stays home as much as possible to protect his health, but he has made an exception in order to comfort the grieving.

Rev. James Perkins of Greater Christ Baptist Church is one of several black pastors in Detroit who were unsuccessful in their SBA loan applications.

Black Pastors Say They Have Trouble Accessing SBA Loan Program

7:01am April 25, 2020

by Tom Gjelten

With the vast majority of U.S. churches closed and the country in a deep recession, church finances are in peril. Some are seeking government money through a new SBA program.

Volunteers disinfect a mosque ahead of prayers during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Friday.

Muslims Around The World Face A Different Kind Of Ramadan

1:50pm April 24, 2020

by Scott Neuman

Observance of the Muslim holy month of fasting, prayer and festivities is being curtailed in many parts of the world due to COVID-19. But in some countries, the pandemic hasn't dissuaded the faithful.

A pop-up bakery in the town of Shoubak, Jordan, offers traditional Ramadan dessert known as qatayef a day before the start of the holy month.

Charity Gains New Importance For Muslims Observing Ramadan Amid Economic Shutdowns

1:18pm April 24, 2020

by Jane Arraf

Giving to the poor is an essential part of the holy month, which began Friday, and with so many people thrown out of work, observers say it's particularly needed now.

Pastor, Imam Discuss COVID-19's Effect On Followers

6:15am April 24, 2020

NPR's David Greene talks to Reverend Irene Munroe of Massachusetts and Imam Khalid Latif of New York City about grappling with profound loss in their communities, and their experiences with COVID-19.

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Muslims Mark Ramadan During Coronavirus Pandemic

6:08am April 24, 2020

by Jane Arraf

Ramadan has begun for Muslims around the world. In the Middle East, the month of fasting and prayer is deeply altered by restrictions intended to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

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