News
Trump calls for ‘essential’ houses of worship to reopen
Saying America needs "more prayer, not less," President Donald Trump May 22 directed the country's governors, although he lacks the authority to do so, to reopen churches, synagogues and mosques.
Colorado drive to end late-term abortion close to goal for signatures
Organizers of an initiative to prohibit abortion after 22 weeks said because support has been building in recent weeks they expected to get the 20,000 signatures needed by May 29 to put the measure on the November ballot.
Public Mass to resume June 5-6 in archdiocese
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced late Friday that Sunday and daily Masses will be celebrated publicly again in two weeks, since their suspension in mid-March to halt spread of the coronavirus.
Phila. police chaplain blesses hospital workers fighting pandemic
Oblate Father Steven Wetzel prayed over "hands raw from scrubbing" and "shoulders that carry the weight of life and death” at the city's Jefferson Torresdale Hospital on May 21.
PPP loans to parishes not as large, or as many, as believed
Some news media overstated how many of the 17,000 parishes in the U.S. received Paycheck Protection funds and the amounts, instead characterizing it as "this evil church getting money from the federal government."
The quiet pandemic victims: Those grieving death
Since funerals and family visitations are forbidden during the pandemic lockdown, there is no closure for surviving family and friends as the world focuses on getting through the current crisis.
China’s threats to Congress on pandemic won’t deter NJ Rep. Smith
China threatened to retaliate against U.S. politicians for their support of federal lawsuits over the COVID-19 pandemic. Congressman Chris Smith, a long-time China critic, is ready for a cyber attack -- again.
Pandemic may lead to changes in the way schools operate, say educators
Schools have had to adjust how they deliver education to students confined to their homes. Teachers, parents and students face a new reality in the fall as the teaching profession reinvents itself, say educators.
Pro-lifers say Planned Parenthood must return $80 million in federal funds
Critics contend that Payroll Protection Program funds meant for small businesses of up to 500 employees should not go to an organization that has 37 affiliates and 16,000 employees.
In Italy, signs of rise in prayer, religious fervor amid pandemic
After COVID-19 restrictions forced churches to close, "the frequency of prayer and participation in religious services increased, although these could be attended only virtually," said a new study.