San Francisco kosher baker hires formerly incarcerated employees to give second chances
An Israeli businessman who operates San Francisco's only kosher bakery has earned another moniker for his shop because of the formerly incarcerated people he now employs: the "Lifer Bakery."
San Francisco unveils prayer rooms at high-volume vaccination sites during Ramadan
Taking its cue from New York City, San Francisco decided to open up prayer rooms at high-volume vaccination sites during Ramadan and beyond.
San Jose Sikhs hold vigil for Indianapolis shooting victims
There was a big showing of support Sunday night from members of the Sikh community in the South Bay. Members remembered the lives lost in the shooting rampage at the FedEx facility in Indianapolis.
Some Bay Area mosques holding in-person services for Ramadan
It’s the first day of fasting for Muslims around the world. Muslim families fast every day from sunrise to sunset in observance of the holy month of Ramadan. Some Bay Area mosques are holding in-person gatherings.
California lifts COVID-19 limits on indoor worship services following US Supreme Court rulings
California lifted its limits on indoor worship services in the face of U.S. Supreme Court rulings that struck down the coronavirus public health mandates. However, the state still said indoor gatherings were “strongly discouraged” and advised limiting the numbers to 25% of a building’s capacity.
San Jose pastor says Easter service ruined by Zoom hackers
A San Jose pastor said his church’s Easter service that was livestreamed on Zoom was hacked by people shouting out hate speech.
Bay Area adjusts to new way of life over Easter weekend as virus rules relax
At the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek Sunday, the bunnies, the babies, and family outings were back for an Easter bunny hunt. For many, it was a joy feeling the pandemic restrictions slowly easing.
'This is scandalous': Pope decries war, weapons spending amid the pandemic in Easter message
“The pandemic is still spreading, while the social and economic crisis remains severe, especially for the poor. Nevertheless — and this is scandalous — armed conflicts have not ended, and military arsenals are being strengthened,'' Francis said, sounding angry. “That is today's scandal.”
In Easter speech, pope calls armed conflicts in pandemic 'scandalous'
Pope Francis in his traditional Easter Sunday address denounced as “scandalous” how armed conflicts continue to rage even as the coronavirus pandemic has triggered severe social and economic suffering.
Christians celebrate second Easter marred by COVID-19 pandemic
Christianity’s most joyous feast day is being celebrated worldwide with faithful sitting far apart in pews and singing choruses of “Hallelujah” through face coverings for the second Easter Sunday.
Congregations eager for Easter worship
After a year of isolation and Zoom services, many churches are now welcoming back their congregations in person for Holy Week.
Notre Dame: '15 or 20 years' needed for restoration after fire, rector says
The rector of Notre Dame said Friday that the burned-out Paris cathedral and its esplanade could remain a building site for another “15 or 20 years.”
Some Holy Land sites reopen as Christians mark Good Friday
Christians in the Holy Land are marking Good Friday this year amid signs the coronavirus crisis is winding down.
Advocates urge transparency in Santa Clara University priest investigation
A prominent victims advocate group on Friday urged Santa Clara University to release details about unspecified allegations against its president, a Jesuit priest.
Santa Clara University's president placed on leave amid investigation
Rev. Kevin O'Brien is accused of misconduct involving conversations in adult settings and has been placed on leave while the Jesuit West Province investigates. He has been Santa Clara University's president since 2019.
New Dead Sea Scrolls dating back nearly 2,000 years discovered in Israel
The new Dead Sea Scroll fragments bearing a biblical text are believed to have been hidden during a Jewish revolt against Rome nearly 1,900 years ago.
Vatican says Catholic Church cannot bless same-sex unions as God ‘can’t bless sin’
The Vatican’s orthodoxy office, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, issued a formal response Monday to a question about whether Catholic clergy can bless gay unions.
Pennsylvania church treasurer accused of stealing $150G to fuel porn addiction
A Pennsylvania church treasurer is accused of stealing over $150,000 from the house of worship to fuel his addiction to porn, according to reports.
In visit to Baghdad, Pope Francis urges Iraq to embrace its Christians
Pope Francis has urged Iraqis to treat their Christian brothers as a precious resource to protect, not an “obstacle” to eliminate as he opens the first-ever papal visit to Iraq.
Abortion concerns prompt Catholic archdiocese warning on vaccine
Roman Catholic leaders in St. Louis and New Orleans are advising Catholics that the COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, newly approved for use in the U.S., is “morally compromised” because it is produced using a cell line derived from an aborted fetus.