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.

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.

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.

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. 

Churches sue California governor over antivirus orders

The churches argue that the state and local orders are overly broad and that they can practice safe social distancing in the same manner as grocery stores and other outlets that are considered essential services and allowed to remain open.

U.S. Justice Department monitoring restrictions on worship

The United States Attorney General is warning state and local governments there could be consequences for cracking down on religious services.