Kenyan Muslims grapple with COVID-19 restrictions on burials

In Kenya, vital Islamic pre-burial rituals are prohibited during the coronavirus pandemic. Muslim scholars say such restrictions are justified, but that doesn’t make the pandemic easier.

In Photos: Migrants in Malaysia celebrated Eid under stricter lockdown rules, banning mosque

When COVID-19 cases surged in Malaysia’s refugee and migrant communities, the government imposed a stricter lockdown ban on foreigners, even while lifting restrictions on businesses and gatherings. Foreigners aren’t allowed to enter a mosque or perform ritual animal sacrifices, which meant an usually difficult Eid al-Adha celebration this year.

Hosting an annual conference online this year will change the Jehovah's Witnesses forever

Amid rising COVID-19 cases and ongoing restrictions, the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ annual convention will not meet in person for the first time since 1897. The new adaptations designed for the pandemic have provided increased accessibility for Witnesses normally unable to attend, changes that will long outlive social-distancing guidelines.

Navajo Nation, a COVID-19 hotbed, is facing extreme isolation, loss of tradition

The Navajo Nation is seeing an abrupt change to their way of life. Burial rituals are changing. Food insecurity is growing. Traditional ceremonies and religious services are cancelled, and without Internet (and without electricity in some homes), no virtual experiences can even attempt to break the isolation.

Worship services continue despite COVID-19 threat

From the Bahamas to the Midwest, South and East Coast of the U.S, here’s how different houses of worship are handling the decision to reopen safely during the coronavirus pandemic or reach their communities online amid concerns of rising mental health problems during a lockdown and high unemployment.

Journalism cancels its moral voice: What does this mean for religion news?

(OPINION) Journalists needed to give readers both sides of a debate so that they had some chance to fully understood and assess what is happening. Otherwise, they’re only telling half the story. Right?

Time for a pop quiz: 7 questions about Trump's church photo op

This week’s Weekend Plug-in includes a pop quiz on President Trump’s photo op at St. John’s Episcopal Church and other top headlines in a busy week of religion-related protest and pandemic news.

The COVID-19 lockdown has allowed terrorist groups to expand

(OPINION) As the world begins to cautiously emerge from lockdown, it has begun to look beyond its own borders. For most, the lockdown has confined us to the four walls of our homes. Yet for some terrorist organizations, COVID-19 has provided an opportunity to consolidate and expand. This is particularly visible in the case of Boko Haram and Daesh.

Faith vs. COVID-19: Restrictions prompt clashes over churches reopening

In the nation’s latest religious freedom battle, church leaders in many states from New York to Oregon are clashing with governors over how and when to resume in-person gatherings.

How a leading Jewish community center is adapting summer plans

As the pandemic alters summer plans and disrupts long-held traditions, the Jewish community in Georgia adapts camps and activities to the new reality.

COVID-19 is creating new burdens for religious minorities

(OPINION) The chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed governments across the world the liberty to heighten existing religious persecution. Many religious minorities are discriminated against in healthcare provision and some are even being blamed for the spread of the virus.

Dr. Lorna Breen's death reveals the burden of front line workers

(OPINION) Believers draw strength from their faith and support from their communities. The coronavirus is straining the remarkable resilience of medical workers, even those who have the added safety nets that religion provides.

Megachurch launches 'Peaceably Gather' petition for Sunday reopenings

Megachurch pastor Brian Gibson of His Churches announced this week that his church would reopen services at three of his four locations across Texas and Kentucky on May 17 and asked other religious leaders to join him in standing up for what he sees as a religious freedom concern during COVID-19 restrictions.

New Zealand Crushed COVID-19: How Māori and Pacific Faith Groups Helped

Thanks to geographic isolation, decisive leadership and some luck, New Zealand has so far deflected a COVID-19 crisis. Church leaders in the island’s Māori and Pacific Islander communities have been key to this success, at times ahead of the government response while caring for the vulnerable in their flocks.

Delivering sacraments in quarantine is forbidden for some, creative for others

(OPINION) Restrictions by the Church of England and a “revolving” Body of Christ by a French Catholic priest are two responses to this crisis as clergy struggle to attend to the spiritual needs of their flocks.

Islamic and Hindu Customs Wipe Out Need for Toilet Paper

Spray nozzles called bum guns, water pots called lotas in South Asia and bidets have been keeping behinds clean for many years without toilet paper, in line with Islamic and Hindu texts urging purification of the body with water.

COVID-19 Forces Holocaust Survivors to Relive Self-Isolation

For Holocaust survivors, including some who later lived under Communist rule, COVID-19 has brought a mixed bag of old traumas sparked anew, depression and anxiety, isolation and fear, but also reminders of the traits that sustained them through difficult periods in their lives.

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