Law and Religion Headlines
Friday, 4 September 2020
Nevada church resumes court battle over COVID-19 rules
(Scott Sonner, Associated Press)
With mosques closed during the pandemic, Muslim converts navigate their new spiritual path online
(Hira Qureshi, The Washington Post)
Why masks are a religious issue
(Leslie Dorrough Smith, The Conversation)
Should churches like John MacArthur's resist COVID-19 restrictions?
(Paul Marshall, Religion Unplugged)
COVID-19: The essential problem with state-faith relations
(Brie Loskota and Najuma Smith-Pollard, The Hill)
Federal appeals court rejects Illinois Republicans’ challenge to COVID-19 group limits
(Erin Napoleon, Jurist)
7th Circuit: COVID-19 order exempting religious services is valid
(Howard Friedman, Religion Clause)
COVID-19 highlights the need for active involvement of religious leaders and religious institutions in society in Iraq
(Religious Freedom Institute)
Ramaphosa holds virtual meeting with interfaith leaders to fight COVID-19
(Devdiscourse)
Aerosol and droplet generation from singing &c
(David Pocklington, Law & Religion UK)
Cardinal predicts Church, Europe will be ‘weaker’ after pandemic
(Elise Ann Allen, Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse)
WCC and Vatican appeal for greater solidarity with other faiths
(Jonathan Luxmoore, Church Times)
Pope Francis calls for solidarity at first audience with pilgrims after lockdown
(Courtney Mares, Catholic News Agency)
Wednesday, 2 September 2020
Kentucky AG says closing religious schools in COVID pandemic is unconstitutional
(Howard Friedman, Religion Clause)
In Kenya and South Africa, church leaders condemn theft of COVID-19 funds
(Tom Osanjo, Religion Unplugged)
Tamil Nadu government issues SOP for re-opening of religious places
(Deccan Chronicle)
Ethical principles for the just allocation of a covid-19 vaccine
(Nicanor Pier Giorgio Austriaco, Public Discourse: The Journal of the Witherspoon Institute)
Refugee camps have avoided the worst of the pandemic. That could be about to change.
(Miriam Berger, The Washington Post)
This new 600-page book contains Jewish laws of coronavirus, from hand-washing to drug trials
(Avital Chizhik-Goldschmidt, Forward)
Weekly Highlight #121: Adaptations, Impacts, and Emerging Debates
(COVID-19: Exploring Faith Dimensions, Berkley Center, Joint Learning Initiative, WFDD)
Weekly Highlight #120: Global to Local: Ricocheting Impacts of COVID-19
(COVID-19: Exploring Faith Dimensions, Berkley Center, Joint Learning Initiative, WFDD)
Weekly Highlight #119: Keeping Communities Safe and Respected
(COVID-19: Exploring Faith Dimensions, Berkley Center, Joint Learning Initiative, WFDD)
Weekly Highlight #118: Taking Stock in the Midst of Mourning
(COVID-19: Exploring Faith Dimensions, Berkley Center, Joint Learning Initiative, WFDD)
Evangelical leaders talk COVID restrictions, religious freedom
(Meagan Clark and Mattie Townson, Religion Unplugged)
A Muslim community group in Hartlepool has made over 2,000 meals for those in need during the pandemic.
(Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK)
1 in 5 churches facing permanent closure within 18 months due to COVID-19 shutdowns: Barna pres.
(Michael Gryboski, The Christian Post)
Monday, 31 August 2020
Shiite Muslims mark holy day of mourning in virus’ shadow
(Mariam Fam and Bassem Mroue, Associated Press)
AP Photos: Pandemic casts pall over Muharram in Kashmir
(Dar Yasin, Associated Press)
CALL FOR PARTICIPATION IN BLOG WEBINAR, deadline 31 August 2020: Law, Religion, and Coronovirus in the United States: A Six-Month Assessment
(International Center for Law and Religion Studies)
Amid virus lockdowns, prison ministry groups had to adapt
(Associated Press)
CBCP leads interfaith initiative to help Filipinos survive the pandemic
(Hanah Tabios, Manila Bulletin)
Imam of Kaliningrad Region's only mosque dies of coronavirus
(Interfax-Religion)
New COVID-19 legislation and guidance: to 5 September
(David Pocklington, Law & Religion UK)
Could religious exemptions trump a COVID-19 vaccine mandate? Well, that depends
(Ross D. Silverman, The Conversation)
Why freedom of religion won’t likely trump public health interests with a future COVID-19 vaccine
(Renae Barker, The Conversation)
Holy Communion in the Church of England in light of the coronavirus pandemic
(Christopher Grout, Canopy Forum on the Interactions of Law & Religion)
Shincheonji’s latest plasma donation raises questions on treatment from South Korean government
(Religion News Service Opinion)
What happens when pandemic locks down a globe-trotting pope?
(Nicole Winfield, Associated Press)
Friday, 28 August 2020
Ukrainian border guards refuse to let dozens of Hasidim pilgrims into country
(Interfax-Religion)
Interfaith action plays key role in addressing Africa’s challenges
(Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ, Vatican News)
Christians: Let’s unite in pandemic to fight injustices
(Frances D'Emilio, Associated Press)
Judge halts federal rule that diverts coronavirus funding to private schools
(Don Byrd, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty)
Welsh Government guidance for reopening community centres
(Frank Cranmer, Law & Religion UK)
Malawi traditional leader orders chiefs to dissolve lockdown child marriages
(Charles Pensulo, Reuters)
South Africa Catholics stage Day of Prayer over women’s plight in COVID era
(Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse)
Amid surge in COVID-19, Iraq's Shia mourn Imam Hussein
(Sinan S Mahmoud, Al Jazeera)
Australian bishops join discussion on morality of possible COVID-19 vaccine
(Catholic News Service)
Update on COVID-19 rules for churches- weddings and services in Australia
(Neil Foster, Law and Religion Australia)
Hindus work around coronavirus to celebrate god Ganesh, remover of obstacles
(Lauren Frayer, National Public Radio)
Wednesday, 26 August 2020
Religion & the pandemic: A call beyond the here & now
(Azza Karam, Secretary General, Religions for Peace International, Inter Press Service)
Ukraine restricts Hasidic pilgrim trips to Uman
(Interfax-Religion)
WCC contributes to G20 Interfaith Forum on Africa hosted by KAICIID
(Devdiscourse)
Coronavirus – Africa: World Council of Churches (WCC) moderator contributes to G20 Interfaith Forum on Africa
(Socialnews.xyz)
Women traditional leaders could help make sure the pandemic message is heard
(Peace A. Medie, Adriana Biney, Amanda Coffie, and Cori Wielenga, The Conversation)
With closed churches, open beaches, California surfer ministry hits the waves
(Liza Vandenboom, Religion Unplugged)
Kenyan Muslims grapple with COVID-19 restrictions on burials
(Tom Osanjo, Religion Unplugged)
Court enjoins DOE rule favoring funding of private schools under CARES Act
(Howard Friedman, Religion Clause)
Funerals and weddings in Northern Ireland
(David Pocklington, Law & Religion UK)
Worshipers went online, but will they stay there?
(Peter Kenny, Ecumenical News)
Church spars with Sicily government over migrant expulsion order
(Elise Ann Allen, Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse)
Kenyan religious leaders demand action on alleged theft of COVID-19 funds
(Fredrick Nzwili, Catholic News Service)
The pandemic tips the balance between mosque and state: for Saudi Arabia and Egypt, a pretext to crack down
(Geneive Abdo and Nourhan Elnahla, Foreign Affairs)
Some congregations are in conflict about the coronavirus pandemic
(Kelsey Dallas, Deseret News)
How cannabis (accidentally) helped reopen churches during the COVID pandemic
(Chris Roberts, Forbes)
Judge denies request that would have allowed 3 Christian schools to reopen in Oregon
(Maxine Bernstein, The Oregonian)
Oregon's COVID-19 limits on religious schools upheld
(Howard Friedman, Religion Clause)
Iran’s coronavirus death toll hits 20,000 as nation braces for more
(Al-Monitor: Iran Pulse)
Syria could have 2 million cases of coronavirus by Aug. 31
(Judi Dalati, Al-Monitor: Syria Pulse)
Lebanon returns to lockdown after post-explosion surge in virus
(Al-Monitor: Lebanon Pulse)
Coronavirus cases in Israel top 100,000
(Al-Monitor: Israel Pulse)
Why freedom of religion will likely not trump public health interests in Australia with a future COVID-19 vaccine
(Renae Barker, The Conversation)
Latin America’s evangelical churches hard hit by pandemic
(Associated Press)
Monday, 24 August 2020
Quebec’s mistreatment of faith groups during the COVID lockdown draws Cardinal’s ire
(Peter Stockland, Convivium: Canada's Premier Hub for Faith in Common Life)
ZOOM EVENT, 24 August 2020 (11AM EDT): The COVID-19 Emergency in Sri Lanka: Strengths and Challenges
(Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs, Georgetown University)
New COVID-19 legislation and guidance: to 29 August
(David Pocklington, Law & Religion UK)
Aerosols and droplets in church – breathing, speaking, shouting and singing
(David Pocklington, Law & Religion UK)
Friday, 21 August 2020
Schools looking for space could turn to churches to host classes – doing so has a rich history
(Andrew Barnes, The Conversation)
EP dialogue seminar: COVID-19 – implications for the future
(Conference of European Churches)
COVID-19 Coronavirus: legislation and guidance
(David Pocklington, Law & Religion UK)
South Korea's latest church-linked coronavirus outbreak is turning into a battle over religious freedom
(Paula Hancocks, CNN International)
In South Korea’s new covid-19 outbreak, religion and politics collide
(Choe Sang-Hun, The New York Times)
South Korean president turns to Catholic bishops to help fight coronavirus
(Elise Ann Allen, Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse)
Demands to treat churches and casinos equally may be asking too much and not enough
(Kathleen A. Brady, Religious Freedom Institute)
Why churches are fighting shutdown orders
(ReligiousLiberty.TV)
LA County fails bid to shut down church and must prove why free exercise rights should be infringed
(ReligiousLiberty.TV)
South Texas Christian school defies court order and plans in-person classes
(Isaiah Mitchell, The Texan)
Challenge to California COVID-19 limits on church services rejected
(Howard Friedman, Religion Clause)
New Jersey COVID-19 limits on indoor church services upheld
(Howard Friedman, Religion Clause)
Pope Francis calls for COVID-19 vaccine that includes the poor
(Peter Kenny, Ecumenical News)
Navigating a global health crisis: Responses of Baha’i communities around the world
(Bahá’í International Community)
Beyond the state: Our shared duties to cooperate to realize human rights during the evolving risks of a global pandemic
(Diane Desierto, EJIL: Talk! Blog of the European Journal of International Law)
Russia holds church accountable for coronavirus infections
(Interfax-Religiia, Russia Religion News (Stetson University))
Wednesday, 19 August 2020
The Weekly Round-up: A-level Results, Facial Recognition, and Special Educational Needs
(Sam Sykes, UK Human Rights Blog)
Podcast: Will religious liberty prevail?
(Carrie Abbott)
Muslim ICE detainees in Miami forced to choose between pork or rotten halal food, lawyers say
(Aysha Khan, Religion News Service)
Pope: Rich can’t get priority for vaccine, poor need help
(Frances D'Emilio, Associated Press)
What the coronavirus pandemic has taught us about religious freedom and trust
(Kelsey Dallas, Deseret News Faith)
Christian schools invoke religious liberty to reopen despite warnings of health experts
(Chrissy Stroop, Religion Dispatches)
Religious schools sue Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom over school closure order
(Michael Gryboski, The Christian Post)
2,500 evangelicals sign pandemic statement warning: Don’t ignore science
(Yonat Shimron, Religion News Service)
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