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Local Church Doubles Attendance Without Seating a Single Person

Amanda Regan

April 15, 2020 |

Grady Newsource |

Broadcast TV News |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Watkinsville, Georgia

Watkinsville First Baptist Church in Georgia moved their religious services online as early as March 15th, 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Since the church began posting their services every Sunday morning, they have seen their attendance nearly double compared to in-person attendance. They also interact with the congregation through their Facebook page, website, and email. They plan on continuing to post their services online even after the quarantine ends, because they're expecting things to continue to be different after the pandemic.

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One church's tale of two pandemics, 100 years apart

Megan Botel Isaiah Murtaugh

April 15, 2020 |

The GroundTruth Project |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Los Angeles, California

The quarantines and shelter-in-place orders that many cities in the United States are enacting today to combat the coronavirus pandemic can be compared to similar tactics taken in 1918 to stop the spread of influenza pandemic. However, with modern-day technology, churches in particular are finding that they are better able to safely reach their members through the use of video conferencing rather than door-to-door visits. For a Los Angeles church, this is part of a comprehensive approach that aims to abide by social distancing requirements while still helping those in need.

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Sikhs turn to online Vaisakhi

Simrin Singh

April 13, 2020 |

Religion News Service |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Los Angeles, California

Because of Covid-19, Sikh leaders in Southern California organized online celebrations of Vaisakhi, one of the most important days of the year for Sikhs. Raagis, people performing hymns, will be broadcast using a variety of live stream and digital platforms and social “gatherings” will be held on social media. Some are also delivering food and financial support to community members who are struggling. Despite issues with sound quality and a lack of financial resources to invest, bringing the community together for the celebrations is a priority to combat social isolation during the pandemic.

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In life's last moments, U.S. clergy minister to the sick and dying via FaceTime and Zoom

Julie Zauzmer

April 02, 2020 |

The Washington Post |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

As more individuals are hospitalized and in critical condition from COVID19, religious leaders are finding unique ways to connect. While the norm may be to be at bedsides, in this unprecedented time where that isn’t possible, chaplains, rabbis, and priests are using FaceTime and texting to connect with members of their communities and offer prayer and blessings.

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The law of generosity combatting coronavirus in Pakistan

Aysha Imtiaz

April 01, 2020 |

BBC |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Pakistan, Karachi

In Pakistan, where many citizens earn a daily wage from street businesses that have now been forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pakistanis are continuing to contribute zakat, "the traditional Muslim charity tax." The contributions – regarded as "one of the most important religious duties for Muslims" – are used to create packages containing basic grocery items and anti-bacterial soap for the daily-wage workers.

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Zoom Shabbat, drive-through confessional: Faith during coronavirus

Harry Bruinius

March 27, 2020 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Chelmsford, Massachusetts

Many religious institutions have to come up with creative ways to "congregate" amidst the coronavirus breakout and strict quarantine restrictions around the country. From drive-through confession to virtual Shabbat, congregations find a way to practice their faith, despite questions about the morality of practicing without an in-person community.

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The church that isn't closing its doors

Sophia Smith Galer

March 25, 2020 |

BBC |

Video |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: Netherlands

VR Church, an online, fully virtual place of worship, offers a religious community outlet for people who are not able to attend physical churches, for reasons of disability, autism, or any number of things that keep people from attending. Though there might be a learning curve at first to master the VR headset technology, VR Church has seen a growth in popularity during the global lockdown due to COVID-19.

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'Pray At Home!' Houses Of Worship Close Physical Doors, Open Virtual Ones

Zainab Iqbal

March 24, 2020 |

Bklynr |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

In New York City, the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, houses of worship are urging their followers to pray at home. Synagogues, mosques, and churches alike are looking at alternative ways to worship, like teleconferencing and public access television.

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'We Can't Anoint The Sick': Faith Leaders Seek New Approaches To Pastoral Care

Tom Gjelten

March 23, 2020 |

NPR |

Radio |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Shady Side, Maryland

Many churches throughout the U.S. have moved their weekly services online during the coronavirus pandemic, but not all needs can be addressed this way. To help offer services like counseling and individual prayer, some pastors and ministers are offering drive-through services for prayer requests or blessings while others are making hospital visits under the guidance of social distancing rules.

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Churches use technology to stream services after coronavirus shuts many down

Alex Rozie

March 22, 2020 |

WFAA-TV |

Broadcast TV News |

Under 3 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Dallas, Texas

Churches across the nation have had to shut their doors as the country tries to contain the coronavirus outbreak, but some religious institutions have turned to creative ways to keep their practice alive. In Texas, one church has begun streaming the church services to their congregration while another is offering curbside communion.

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