by Alejandra Molina LOS ANGELES (RNS) Attorneys for Pastor John MacArthur of Grace Community Church are condemning recent headlines declaring a coronavirus outbreak in the megachurch that has defied public health orders since July. The Los Angeles Times on Thursday reported that three confirmed COVID-19 cases had been tied to the church. The headline for that story read: … [Read more...] about Attorneys for John Macarthur Denounce Headlines Reporting a Church Outbreak of COVID-19 Cases
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Hillsong Purchases Melbourne’s Iconic Festival Hall for $23M
(ChurchLeaders) On its YouTube channel yesterday, Hillsong Church announced its purchase of Festival Hall, an iconic music venue in West Melbourne, Australia. The 105-year-old building, which seats more than 5,000, will be renovated and then used for church services and community events. According to Hillsong, the beloved venue also will, to some degree, “continue to be … [Read more...] about Hillsong Purchases Melbourne’s Iconic Festival Hall for $23M
Episcopal Bishop That Banned Same-Sex Marriages Is Resigning
(ChurchLeaders) The Reverend William H. Love of Albany, New York’s Episcopal Diocese has announced he will resign, effective February 1, 2021. Bishop Love famously banned same-sex marriages in Albany’s diocese in 2018, after the Episcopalian Church moved to allow the unions in their churches earlier that year. The Bishop was recently found to be in violation of canon law and … [Read more...] about Episcopal Bishop That Banned Same-Sex Marriages Is Resigning
North Carolina Megachurch Says It Won’t Reopen Until There Is a COVID-19 Vaccine
(Christian Headlines) One of North Carolina’s largest churches, World Overcomers Christian Church, says it will not hold in-person services until a vaccine for coronavirus is developed. “When our people are able to come back together, they’re going to want to greet one another and hug one another, and in my estimation, the risks are too great,” Andy Thompson, senior pastor … [Read more...] about North Carolina Megachurch Says It Won’t Reopen Until There Is a COVID-19 Vaccine
CO Churches Win Preliminary Injunction Not to Obey COVID-19 Orders
(ChurchLeaders) A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction to two churches in Colorado, exempting them from state orders saying that houses of worship must limit attendance and require attendees to wear masks. Judge Daniel D. Domenico’s ruling on the Colorado mask mandate and worship attendance limits centers on the argument that the state of Colorado is treating … [Read more...] about CO Churches Win Preliminary Injunction Not to Obey COVID-19 Orders