Californian Governor signs laws to fast-track housing on church lands, streamline housing permitting process
Sacramento, California, USAP Religious institutions and non-profit colleges in California will be allowed to turn their parking lots and other properties into low-income housing under a new law aimed at combating the ongoing homeless crisis. The law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom last Wednesday, rezones land owned by non-profit colleges and religious institutions, such as churches, […]
California legalises human composting bill against opposition by Catholic bishops
United StatesRNS The process of converting bodies into soil is now legal in California after Governor Gavin Newsom on Sunday signed a bill that will allow human composting in the Golden State. Burial, cremation and alkaline hydrolysis have been the only death care choices available in California. Beginning in 2027, human composting, or natural organic reduction, will […]
In the US, California appeals court rejects COVID-19 fines for church
San Jose, California, USAP A California church that defied safety regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic by holding large religious services won’t have to pay about $US200,000 in fines, a state appeals court ruled. Calvary Chapel San Jose and its pastors were held in contempt of court and fined in 2020 and 2021 for violating state […]
California to replace toppled statue with memorial to tribes
Sacramento, California, US AP More than a year after protesters toppled a statue of a Spanish missionary on the grounds of the California Capitol, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law on Friday to replace it with a memorial for the state’s Native Americans. A statue of Father Junipero Serra had stood in Capitol Park since […]
California lifts COVID-19 limits on indoor worship services
Los Angeles, USAP California on Monday lifted its limits on indoor worship services in the face of US Supreme Court rulings that struck down the coronavirus public health mandates. However, the state Department of Public Health guidelines still said indoor gatherings were “strongly discouraged” and advised limiting the numbers to 25 per cent of a […]
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 […]
In the US, California deaths spur pleas to stay home for Christmas
Los Angeles, USAP California’s deadly Christmas was marked by pleas to stay away from holiday gatherings outside the home and indoor church services in what could be a make-or-break effort to curb a coronavirus surge that already has filled some hospitals well beyond normal capacity. Festive gatherings with friends and family might be tempting after […]
Jesuits urge California governor to protect jobs of hospitality workers during COVID-19
RNS In March, after the novel coronavirus started to spread in Southern California, Aimee Cazares was furloughed from her job as a chef at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, where she’s worked for the past five years. Her own health insurance ran out in May, and with her father the only immediate family member working close […]
California issues guidelines for church reopenings
AP Religious services in California will look much different under rules unveiled Monday that limit attendance to 100 people and recommend worshippers wear masks, limit singing and refrain from shaking hands or hugging. The state released guidance under which county health departments can approve the reopening of churches, mosques, synagogues and other houses of worship. […]
Attorney: 1,200 California pastors agree to reopen 31st May
Sacramento, California, USAP More than 1,200 California pastors say they will resume in-person services on 31st May in defiance of Governor Gavin Newsom’s stay-at-home order to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. Newsom has gradually allowed some businesses to reopen as the state’s number of virus-related hospitalisations has flattened. But churches are still banned, […]