religion

An Orthodox clergyman holds holy fire to transfer to predominantly Orthodox countries from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, traditionally believed by many Christians to be the site of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ. In Jerusalem's old city th

Holy Fire Ceremony To Mark Orthodox Easter Held In Near-Empty Jerusalem Church

2:14pm April 18, 2020

by Daniel Estrin

The coronavirus did not stop the centuries-old tradition observed annually at the tomb of Jesus. But adjustments were made. It was broadcast live to countless Orthodox Christians around the world.

An Orthodox priest blesses traditional Easter cakes and painted eggs in preparation for Easter, outside a church in Minsk, Belarus on Saturday.

Orthodox Christians Observe Easter Amid Crackdown On Rogue Priests And Congregants

12:35pm April 18, 2020

by Joanna Kakissis

It's a time when churches are full, blood-red eggs are cracked to symbolize Christ's resurrection and lambs are roasted as part of family feasts. But the coronavirus has shut down those celebrations.

Religion

Opposing Church Closures Becomes New Religious Freedom Cause

7:32pm April 17, 2020

by Tom Gjelten

Churches and allied groups have filed lawsuits against state or local authorities in at least eight states, saying restrictions on religious gatherings are an infringement on religious freedom.

Dozens of worshippers outside the Haidari Mosque in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad.

Pakistan Limits Worshippers At Mosques. Many Worshippers Are Defiant

1:56pm April 17, 2020

Pakistani authorities have called for a maximum of 5 worshippers in a mosque. Many in the religious community disagree — and the issue will only become more heated as Ramadan approaches.

Religion

How Religious Groups Are Adapting To Stay-At-Home Orders

10:06pm April 16, 2020

by Tom Gjelten

Religious groups have gotten creative since the pandemic has forced millions to stay at home. NPR's religion correspondent answers listener questions about how religious practices are being reshaped.

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Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, a funeral service is shown on a screen to drive-up attendees in San Antonio on Tuesday. San Antonio is under stay-at-home orders and people are encouraged to observe social distancing.

Mass. Governor Warns 'Don't Leave Anything Unsaid' With Loved Ones During Coronavirus

8:29pm April 16, 2020

by Hannah Hagemann

In a press conference on Wednesday, Gov. Charlie Baker got emotional when talking about the loss of end-of-life rituals during the pandemic.

Hindu Nationalists Blame Muslims For India's COVID-19 Crisis

9:21am April 16, 2020

by Lauren Frayer

After a Muslim missionary meeting in Delhi led to a COVID-19 outbreak in India, Hindu nationalists are blaming all Muslims for the virus. #coronajihad is trending and there are reports of mob attacks.

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A doctor's white coat is projected onto the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Easter Sunday, to honor medical workers who are fighting to save lives during the coronavirus pandemic.

Hospital Heroes Illuminate 'Christ The Redeemer' As Part Of Coronavirus Tribute

11:32am April 13, 2020

by Bill Chappell

The word "hope" was also projected onto the statue towering over Rio de Janeiro, along with the phrase for "Stay at Home" — the message nurses and doctors are telling people around the world.

Actors, Singers Raise Money For CDC Charity With Virtual Seder

11:08am April 13, 2020

by Elizabeth Blair

Hollywood stars, Jews and non-Jews, celebrated Passover by streaming a Seder online Saturday night. It raised some $2 million for the CDC Foundation's Emergency Response Fund to battle COVID-19.

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Pope Francis arrives to celebrate Easter Sunday Mass, inside an empty St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Sunday, April 12, 2020.

Religion

Pope Francis Praises The 'Contagion Of Hope' In Easter Message

5:14pm April 12, 2020

by Matthew S. Schwartz

In a surreal Easter service, Pope Francis delivered his remarks to a nearly empty basilica, saying the world is "oppressed by a pandemic severely testing our whole human family."