A four-week lockdown will not keep the Easter Bunny from going about its mysterious business, the prime minister says, responding to rampant speculation by New Zealand's youngest citizens.
Under one provision of the CARES Act, churches and other religious organizations will be able to apply for emergency loans. Critics see the provision as further weakening church-state separation.
Many houses of worship have canceled services in response to coronavirus shutdown orders. But some are continuing to gather, saying they should be able to do so as a matter of religious freedom.
Tens of thousands would usually gather for the traditional service that launches Holy Week. But Francis was joined by just a few nuns, prelates and laypeople, adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Leaders across faiths in the country are working to bring a sense of community to their congregations, as religious spaces shut down during a worsening coronavirus outbreak.
NPR's Scott Simon talks to Darron LaMonte Edwards, the lead pastor at United Believers Community Church in Kansas City, Mo., about how he and his congregation are adapting to a new, dispersed normal.
As church services in many states are put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, church leaders are looking for creative ways to hold services. One unique way is using a movie drive-in.