Newsom Hit With Major Settlement Over COVID Lockdowns on Churches
California is paying more than $2 million in legal fees after discriminating against places of worship during the coronavirus pandemic.
Christian
Supreme Court denies Colorado churches’ request for relief from COVID-19 worship restrictions
The United States Supreme Court has rejected a request for emergency relief from two churches that are challenging Colorado’s restrictions on worship in response to COVID-19.
Oregon May Require Proof of Vaccination to Enter Business and Churches without a Mask
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced on May 18 that people who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 do not have to wear a mask indoors at businesses and faith institutions, but will have to show a card certifying their vaccination status, Christian Headlines reports.
Kenya: Secretary of Atheist Society resigns after becoming a Christian
The secretary of the Atheists in Kenya Society (AIK) has resigned his position after coming to faith in Jesus Christ, Tuko Kenya reports. Seth Mahiga had served as secretary of the society for 18 months before resigning on May 29.
Christian ‘Tarzan’ Actor And Diet Guru Gwen Lara Among Dead In Plane Crash
Christians in Tennessee appealed for prayers after a small plane crash killed Christian “Tarzan” actor Joe Lara and his wife, Gwen Shamblin Lara, the founder of a Christian diet program, the Remnant Fellowship Church, plus five other church leaders.
U.S. Christians Remember Greenwood Massacre
Christians in the U.S. town of Greenwood are among those commemorating the 100th anniversary of a massacre that destroyed the prosperous Black neighborhood.
More Protestant Churches Closed Than Opened Before Pandemic, Study Shows
More Protestant churches closed than opened in 2019, a trend that is expected to continue amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which greatly restricted church activity and religious services.
Newsom ordered to pay $1.35 million for COVID-19 church discrimination
California’s embattled Gov. Gavin Newsom has been dealt a fresh blow after a federal judge ordered him to pay $1.35 million over the state’s draconian lockdown of 3,000 churches during the coronavirus pandemic.
‘Gentle Giant’ Missions Leader Floyd McClung Dies At 75
Floyd Lee McClung, Jr., the global missions leader, bestselling author, and international speaker, has died after a long illness, his wife confirmed Saturday. He was 75.
Poll: 6% of Americans have ‘Biblical worldview’
A new survey from evangelical pollster George Barna shows that only 6% of Americans have a distinctly “biblical worldview,” the Christian Post reports. The 2021 survey was conducted together with the Family Research Council (FRC), a Christian conservative group that Barna recently joined as a senior fellow.
Christian realtor to leave real estate business over LGBT beliefs
A Minnesota-based Christian realtor, and former member of the LGBT community, has decided to let his license expire because his broker does not allow public expression of Biblical beliefs on homosexuality. Realtor Matt Moore announced his decision on Twitter Friday, and asked his followers for prayer as he and his wife seek God for a new direction.
Support for Israel among young US evangelical Christians drops sharply — survey
A new survey points to a growing divide in the US between young evangelical Christians and their elders, particularly in their views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, indicating Israel could see a significant drop in support in coming years.
No More Church Bans: CA Gov. Newsom Ordered to Pay $1.35M in Legal Fees for Shutting Down Churches
This week, a California District Court approved the settlement of Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry’s lawsuit against Gov. Gavin Newsom, establishing the first state-wide permanent injunction in the country against COVID restrictions on churches and places of worship.
Christian therapist sues Washington state over ban on ‘conversion therapy’
A licensed Christian marriage and family therapist has filed suit against Washington state because of its ban on “conversion therapy” (sexual orientation counseling for minors), the Christian Post reports. Licensed therapist Brian Tingley filed suit in the US District Court of the Western District of Washington at Tacoma on Thursday; the defendants include the state’s Attorney General and Secretary of Health.
NYC: Hundreds attend church vigil after vandal destroys Jesus statue
Hundreds of people attended a prayer vigil at a Catholic church in New York City’s Brooklyn Friday night, after a vandal entered the church grounds the night before and smashed a statue of Jesus that was there. Police are investigating what is believed to be a hate crime against the St. Athanasius Church, in which the perpetrator also burned the church’s American flag.
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America selects first transgender person as Bishop
In the first such move by any major US Christian denomination, the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) has elected a transgender person to serve as Bishop, Christian Headlines reports.
Finnish MP charged with “hate speech” for sharing Biblical views on marriage and sexuality
Finnish lawmaker Päivi Räsänen faces imprisonment after being charged with three counts of “hate speech” because she publically shared her Biblical views on marriage and sexuality, ADF International reports. Räsänen was subject to lengthy interviews and a year of waiting before the Finnish Prosecutor General finally decided to bring charges against her.
Study: Trauma-Informed Bible Reading Reduces Depression, Anxiety, Anger
A recent ABS-commissioned study by Baylor University researchers found that combining education about mental health best practices with Bible reading can have a significant benefit. In their study, this reduced the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and increased forgiveness, compassion, and sense of purpose.
Pastor Denied Permit to Hold National Day of Prayer Event at the U.S. Capitol Building
This year’s National Day of Prayer event at the U.S. Capitol appears to have been canceled after one evangelical leader was denied a permit to hold the prayer gathering at the building.
Indiana law: House of Worship are “essential”
Indiana’s Governor Eric Holcomb (R) has signed a new law determining that houses of worship provide essential services, and no restrictions may be placed on them during a declared emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic.