After threats from city, Catholic archbishop in SF agrees to obey coronavirus rules
One such gathering occurred last Saturday, where Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone convened about three dozen worshipers to lament what he called the "blasphemous" toppling of the controversial statue of Junipero Serra.
Televangelist Jim Bakker sued by second state over coronavirus treatment claims
Attorney General Leslie Rutledge filed the lawsuit in Arkansas against Bakker and Morningside Church Productions, just three months after the state of Missouri filed a similar lawsuit.
Oakland pastor recovers from COVID-19, urges churches not to reopen until it's safe
Reverend Johnnie Clark with Word Assembly Church in East Oakland said it's a matter of life and death.
California gives the OK for churches to reopen with limited capacity
The order does not allow worship services to resume right away. It does, however, recommend that places of worship continue online services for those vulnerable to COVID-19, including older adults and those with comorbidities.
Clergy to gather in SF Monday to call for delay in reopening houses of worship
A group of black religious leaders plans to assemble at noon Monday to promote sticking with virtual worship services during the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Officials: 2 California church services sources of virus outbreaks
Mendocino County public health officials said Sunday that six more people who participated in a Mother’s Day service at Assembly of God Church in Redwood Valley contracted the virus, raising the number of cases to nine and making the outbreak responsible for a third of local infections.
Religious leaders urge places of worship to stay closed despite call for reopening
Members of the San Francisco National Association for the Advancement of Colored People announced that on Monday, Memorial Day, they along with black pastors and members of the Interfaith Council will gather outside of City Hall at noon to hold a "Social Distancing Sermon" to urge black churches to keep their doors closed.
CDC warns of COVID-19 spread in group gatherings after 2 people infect dozens at church
The health agency shared a graphic detailing how two symptomatic persons infected at least 35 individuals at a church.
President Trump says churches and houses of worship are now considered essential, tells Governors to open them now
Trump made the remarks at the start of the Friday, May 22 press conference on coronavirus. He was in the briefing room for less than three minutes.
Trump deems houses of worship 'essential,' calls on governors to allow them to reopen
Trump said if governors don’t abide by his request, he will “override” them, though it’s unclear what authority he has to do so.
1,200 California pastors to defy state's stay-at-home order on May 31
More than 1,200 California pastors say they will resume in-person services on May 31 in defiance of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s stay-at-home order to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.
Religious leaders react to DOJ warning California about in-person services
This weekend sees the end of the month-long Muslim holiday of Ramadan. This year, it's a celebration that has been like few others, according to Dr. Hatem Bazain chairman of the Northern California Islamic Council.
US says California's reopening plan discriminates against churches
The head of the federal Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division told Gov. Gavin Newsom Tuesday that his plan to reopen California discriminates against churches.
Congregants exposed to coronavirus at Butte County church that defied shutdown
Attendees of a religious service on Mother's Day in Butte County were exposed to COVID-19, authorities in Butte County say.
Priest uses squirt gun to shoot holy water and maintain social distancing
A priest in Detroit has been using a squirt gun to dispense holy water and maintain social distancing.
Poll: 63% of religious Americans believe COVID-19 pandemic is message from God for humanity to change
A poll of 1,002 adults was conducted April 30-May 4 that found that 31% of Americans who believe feel strongly that the virus is a sign from God telling humanity to change.
Fortune tellers accused of swindling Bay Area kindergarten teacher out of home
A group of fortune tellers are accused of swindling a Los Gatos kindergarten teacher out of her home and all her possessions. Victoria Nelson is now suing the group, hoping to get some of her life back.
Muslims move prayers online as holy month of Ramadan begins
On Thursday the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins, but this year's celebration will be a lot different.
US judge denies bid to open California churches in pandemic
A federal judge on Wednesday said he will deny a bid by three Southern California churches to hold in-person church services during the pandemic, saying that government’s emergency powers trump what in normal times would be fundamental constitutional rights.
Sheriff cites California pastor for 'hiding' congregants on Easter Sunday
Before Easter, Sheriff Vernon H. Warnke said in a Facebook message that he, too, as a Christian would love to attend church in real life on the holiest day of the year. But he added that the people elected him to keep them safe and he warned that everyone must stay home.