Posts tagged pandemic
Why Catholic news sites are a must-read to understand Cuomo

(OPINION) The harsh reality is that news consumers will need to read a wider variety of news sources if they are interested in finding solid facts, on-the-record sources and some sense of balanced reporting. On issues linked to religion, culture and politics, that will mean paying more attention to independent religious publications — including Catholic websites — that are now punching way above their weight.

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Coronavirus news coverage: Is there room for both science and Catholic voices?

(OPINION) What does the phrase “follow the science” mean for journalism and particularly the impact of Catholic voices in news stories? That Catholics, and traditional religious believers in general, are seen as anti-science puts them in direct contradiction with what these politicians say and want.

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Can 'Super Mario' and Catholic Social Teaching rescue Italy's faltering economy?

(ANALYISIS) Italian economist Mario Draghi is forming a new government at the president’s request after a collapse of the ruling coalition over its handling of the pandemic. How will Catholic Social Teaching factor in helping lockdown-weary Italians — from business owners to the unemployed — achieve economic stability? The answer can be found in a 2013 speech.

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Catholic priest pens book that delves into how to pray and why it matters

The Rev. James Martin, one of the most famous Catholic priests in this country, has written a new book, Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone, that focuses on helping Christians understand what it takes to have a relationship with God.

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Trump calls COVID-19 vaccine 'a medical miracle,' but many religious people are skeptical

President Donald Trump calls the first COVID-19 vaccine approved by the federal government a “medical miracle.” So why are many religious people so skeptical? That’s a key question in this week’s Weekend Plug-in.

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Pope Francis' new book: Don't rely on news coverage for what's in it

(OPINION) That Pope Francis would put his name on a book — written by a British author — criticizing the United States, its media and politics without understanding the First Amendment is a major shortfall of the project. There is also more to this book that the mainstream secular press did not highlight — like the pope’s staunch opposition to abortion.

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Amid COVID-19 uncertainty, pastors and churches struggle in hiring slowdown

Churches are hiring fewer pastors as the pandemic constrains their finances, even as hospitals request more chaplains. Churches that do want to fill an empty pulpit struggle to vett candidates virtually.

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Serbia's Orthodox Patriarch Irinej dies of COVID-19 after leading funeral for bishop

Patriarch Irinej contracted COVID-19 after presiding over a funeral of a bishop in Montenegro, where thousands of attendees did not wear masks or socially distance. He was known for his pro-Russian stance in Orthodoxy, his close relationship to the Serbian government and president, and for overseeing completion of one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches, St. Sava Cathedral.

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Biden elected second Catholic U.S. president in history: What does it mean for a divided nation?

(ANALYSIS) Former Vice President Joe Biden’s Catholicism often helped shape his politics as did a family tragedy earlier in his life. Biden promises unity post-Trump, but how he governs could ultimately result in an even bigger political split in the U.S. over the next four years.

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5 things we learned about faith voters this election cycle

(ANALYSIS) From exit poll results to the outcome of several ballot measures, here’s how religious denominations impacted the U.S. elections.

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Religious voters to have a big say following contentious campaign

Americans cast their votes Tuesday to decide between giving President Trump another four-year term or whether to elect challenger Joe Biden.

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Evangelical Colleges Handling COVID-19 Much Like Secular Schools

As evangelical colleges grapple with partial reopenings this fall, reports indicate their COVID-19 infection rates remain low or in line with secular colleges and universities, despite concerns of religious gatherings indoors during the pandemic.

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Christian care homes struggle to be the family their residents can’t see

Nursing homes and independent living facilities are forced to make the best out of tough COVID-19 restrictions to protect their residents from the virus that’s swept through similar facilities. But many of the residents are fighting loneliness and isolation from their families that is just as foreboding.

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A delay in burial divides Muslim community in Uganda

A delay in the burial of a prominent Ugandan politician has divided the country’s Muslim community, with many arguing that burial must take place within 24 hours despite relatives needing to travel from abroad during a pandemic.

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Catholics could be energized for Trump should he nominate Barrett to SCOTUS

(ANALYSIS) The death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has prompted President Donald Trump to pledge a nominee this week. Frontrunner Amy Coney Barrett, a Catholic, has a record of being anti-abortion and will certainly inflame those on the political left who fear an overturning of Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion.

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Evangelical leaders talk COVID restrictions and religious freedom

Prominent evangelicals Francis Chan, John MacArthur, Sam Rodriguez, Andy Stanley and religious freedom experts weighed in on how churches should navigate changing COVID-19 guidelines that some say unfairly target houses of worship.

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