In the UK, London church launches project exploring possible health benefits of music in church
Norwich, UK St Augustine said, “he who sings, prays twice”. But does church music also have a health benefit? A new research project is seeking to find out. St Paul’s Knightsbridge, a Church of England church in west London, has obtained a grant from Scientists in Congregations to explore the health benefits of music in worship. […]
Greece asks faithful to be COVID-clear to attend church
Athens, Greece Reuters Greece introduced new restrictions obliging churchgoers to present negative COVID-19 tests to attend services on Sunday following a surge in infections in recent weeks. Under new rules announced on 18th November, unvaccinated people are barred from indoor spaces including restaurants, cinemas, museums and gyms, even if they test negative for the coronavirus. […]
Amid COVID-19, most US churches provide hybrid worship, half stopped picnics
RNS Eight in 10 US churches now provide hybrid services, offering options for congregants to worship either in person or online during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research. Almost a quarter of churches, the report said, have moderate to severe conflicts about pandemic restrictions. PICTURE: Gabriella […]
Building community “one cup at a time”: The beloved church coffee hour may soon return as COVID-19 fades
BOB SMIETANA, of Religion News Service, reports on the role coffee is now playing in US churches, whether meeting online or in the real world…
Religious leaders recall Prince Philip’s spiritual curiosity
London, UKAP Churches in Britain held services Sunday to remember Prince Philip as people of many religions reflected on a man whose gruff exterior hid a strong personal faith and deep curiosity about others’ beliefs. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby led a service of remembrance at Canterbury Cathedral in south-east England for the husband of […]
Changing practices: At second Easter under pandemic rules, US Christians glimpse church’s future
ADELLE M BANKS, EMILY MCFARLAN MILLER, ALEJANDRA MOLINA, BOB SMIETANA and YONAT SHIMRON, of Religion News Service, reports on how churches are adapting Easter services and celebrations during the COVID-19 pandemic – and how those changes form part of a wider trend…
California to revise indoor church guidelines after ruling
San Francisco, USAP California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said Saturday it will issue revised guidelines for indoor church services after the Supreme Court lifted the state’s ban on indoor worship during the coronavirus pandemic, but left in place restrictions on singing and chanting. In the most significant legal victory against California’s COVID-19 health orders, the […]
California sees large outdoor worship events despite virus
Los AngelesAP Even as coronavirus cases have risen across California, hundreds of people gathered at the beach in Orange County for a religious event despite warnings from local officials. The Los Angeles Times reported on Sunday that several hundred people met in Huntington Beach Friday for Saturate OC, a weekly worship event held at the beach since […]
When churches reopen, don’t sing or shake hands, do make sermons short, says new US guide
RNS An ecumenical group of clergy, scientists and other experts has released a guide to help congregations consider best practices for reopening for worship. Among their suggestions:Refrain from congregational singing. Clap or stomp instead.Preachers, shorten your sermon.Congregants, mouth your response during Communion instead of speaking.Pass the peace to other worshippers with a gentle nod or […]
Essay: How to build community while worshipping online
In an article first published on The Conversation, HEIDI A CAMPBELL, US academic and author of ‘Exploring Religious Community Online’, looks at what her research shows about taking Christian communities online…