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.
San Leandro church food pantry van stolen during Holy Week recovered in Oakland
The church has been offering free groceries every month to people in need for the last 11 years.
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.
L.A. Archbishop leads national moment of prayer asking for end of coronavirus pandemic
Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez led a National Prayer of the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Good Friday to ask for an end to the coronavirus pandemic.
Woman celebrates Passover with her grandparents via video chat amid COVID-19 pandemic
Older individuals are at a higher risk of developing serious health complications from COVID-19.
Israel Philharmonic musicians perform Passover medley in quarantine
The catch with this video? All 20 musicians are performing in quarantine, as coronavirus has wreaked its havoc all over the world.
Landlord changes locks on California church after pastor said he'd continue to hold services
The San Joaquin County Health Department had ordered the church to shut down last week.
Now that's using your skullcap: Jews turn to yarmulkes for face masks
"That's using your skullcap," Ben Gruenstein wrote.
Church vs. coronavirus: California pastor says stay-at-home orders violate freedom of religion
This is not the only coronavirus-vs.-church battle of its kind being waged.
Pennsylvania pastor slams coronavirus precautions, plans 'Woodstock'-like Easter gathering
A Pennsylvania pastor said Tuesday he plans to organize an outdoor “Woodstock”-like service in protest of coronavirus stay-at-home orders and following the arrests of multiple pastors in the U.S for allegedly violating such orders.
Tampa megachurch crowded with worshipers, despite social distancing orders
Cheers and applause could be heard on a Tampa megachurch's livestream Sunday from a few hundred people inside The River at Tampa Bay Church. The church is refusing to close its doors despite a "safer at home" order in effect in Hillsborough County.
Louisiana church hosts over 1,800 people despite social distance warning during coronavirus pandemic
A Louisiana church attracted more than 1,800 people to their Sunday service, despite warnings from health officials to practice social distancing.
Pope makes Sunday appearance but skipping retreat
It is the first time in his seven-year papacy that he has missed the spiritual exercises that he initiated early in his ponitificate to mark the start of each Lenten season. Such retreats are typical Jesuits, an order to which he belongs.
Pope sick a 2nd day with apparent cold, cancels audiences
Pope Francis has canceled his official audiences after apparently coming down with a cold.
Church places Catholic Diocese of Oakland priest on leave over groping claim
Church officials in California placed a priest on leave and opened a new investigation into a sexual misconduct allegation.
Bishop responds after priest says abortion worse than pedophilia, which 'doesn't kill anyone'
A Roman Catholic bishop in Rhode Island responded to the controversy created by a priest who said abortion is worse than pedophilia and later sought to clarify his comments.
Oakland couple, both 95, die within 3 days of each other after 70-year marriage
Judith Broude died Jan. 21 and her husband, longtime Temple Sinai Rabbi Samuel Broude, suffered a stroke at her funeral, and died three days later.
Woman captures cloud photo of 'Jesus with his arm outstretched'
A United Kingdom woman was left stunned after she snapped an "eerie" photo of a cloud some say looks like Jesus.
Toddler leads preschool lunch prayer before enjoying a meal with classmates
Three-year-old Makhi from Missouri said a prayer for his preschool classmates before they shared lunch together.