Feds: Family used phony Orlando ministry to obtain $8.7 million in COVID relief funds
Agents say the family tried to spend millions of PPP dollars on a multi-million dollar home in Orlando.
Actor Kirk Cameron holds ‘peaceful protest’ Christmas caroling event at Thousand Oaks mall
Actor Kirk Cameron is facing backlash after holding a large Christmas caroling protest in Thousand Oaks amid California’s COVID-19 surge.
2020 Vatican nativity display draws comparisons to ‘Star Wars’ scene
The Vatican’s 2020 nativity scene, which is different every year, has drawn criticism from some for its futuristic style.
West Michigan pastor encourages congregation to catch COVID-19 to 'get it over with'
A senior pastor at a west Michigan church encouraged his congregation to catch COVID-19 so as to "get it over with."
Justices order review of California virus rules for churches
The high court's unsigned order Thursday, with no noted dissent, leaves the California restrictions in place for now.
Oklahoma governor declares ‘day of prayer and fasting’ for COVID-19 victims
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has declared Dec. 3 a statewide day of prayer and fasting to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bar applies to become church in owner's scheme to skirt UK's pandemic lockdown restrictions
Since the U.K. permits places of worship to remain open amid the pandemic, James Aspell hopes to turn 400 Rabbits Tequila and Mezcal Cocktail Bar into “The Church of The Four Hundred Rabbits.”
How the Supreme Court's ruling on houses of worship could affect California
UC Hastings law professor David Levine said the ruling opens the door for religious groups to challenge pandemic restrictions in other states.
VIDEO: Two women allegedly vandalize statues at California Buddhist temple
Police said footage they released shows the suspects entering the Huong Tich Temple property on Nov. 22 and using spray paint to deface the statues.
Evangelical doctors’ group urges churches to halt in-person services amid COVID-19 surge
The Christian Medical & Dental Association urgently requested that churches strongly consider taking their services online and cancel in-person gatherings until the current surge of COVID-19 cases passes.
One arrested after stabbing at San Jose church leaves 2 dead, 3 injured
The violence did not occur during a religious ceremony, the police said. Instead, the attack apparently involved people who were receiving shelter in the church.
NBA players, Pope Francis discuss social justice at Vatican
Five NBA players have met with Pope Francis at the Vatican to discuss social justice. Marco Belinelli, Sterling Brown, Jonathan Isaac, Kyle Korver and Anthony Tolliver were joined in the audience Monday by NBA players' union union executive director Michele Roberts.
DeKalb County church to giveaway food to thousands during drive-through event
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on food insecurities among low income and middle-class families that struggle to make it from check to check. With that in mind, the pastor of New Birth Cathedral in DeKalb County said his church has a responsibility to serve the thousands of families who've come to rely on their weekend food giveaways. Rev. Jamal Bryant said 5,000 families are expected to show up for Thanksgiving turkeys and vegetables Saturday morning.
Pope Francis congratulates Joe Biden on election
Biden said he hopes to work with Francis on issues such as climate change, poverty and immigration.
Vatican faults many for ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick's rise but spares Pope Francis
A Vatican investigation into ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick has found that bishops, cardinals and popes downplayed or dismissed reports that he slept with seminarians.
Police searching for crooks stealing mail from churches
Police are looking for a couple of thieves who have been stealing from churches.
Pope Francis ends public audiences, eyes Christmas as virus surges
Ambassadors to the Vatican were informed recently that Christmas would be essentially a virtual affair for the diplomatic corps this year.
North Carolina church ordered to close due to COVID-19 virus outbreak
A North Carolina health official has ordered a large church to close its doors temporarily because of concerns it is helping to spread the coronavirus by disregarding social distancing measures.
‘They are children of God’: Francis becomes 1st pope to endorse same-sex civil unions
Pope Francis endorsed same-sex civil unions for the first time as pope while being interviewed for the feature-length documentary “Francesco.”
COVID up at California religious school; leader slams masks
Shasta County officials say 274 recent cases in the county were tied to the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry.