US churches still struggling post-pandemic
Attendance and giving are up again, but...
Hi ReligionUnplugged readers,
Before we get to the headlines, some exciting news about our team: Paul Glader recently joined CNN Business as senior editor. We’re excited for the work he will do there and look forward to publishing more of his stories in the future.
In the meantime, welcome Clemente Lisi as ReligionUnplugged’s new executive editor! Lisi is a long-time writer and editor for ReligionUnplugged, and we’re excited to have him at the helm.
In today’s top story, Lisi unpacks a new report led by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research and the complex nature of churches in 2023.
The COVID-19 pandemic required that churches across the U.S. shut down in 2020. Some functioned virtually, but across the board, attendance dropped, and donations from members decreased, giving churches challenges with finances and engagement.
The report says that many of these initial challenges have gone away with the removal of government mandates — but challenges still remain.
Attendance and Giving Rebound, But US Churches Still Struggling Post-Pandemic
Many U.S. churches are rebounding from the pandemic, but many challenges remain, a new report reveals. The study, funded by the Lilly Endowment and led by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace, offered a snapshot of this evolving landscape. by Clemente Lisi
One of the World’s Tallest Statues Of The Virgin Mary Built In Egypt
Egypt’s holiest monastery is now also home to one of the largest statues of Mary in the world. Located at the Virgin Mary Monastery in the village of Durunka, some 250 miles from the capital, Cairo, the statue stands at 28 feet in height atop a 46-foot pedestal. by Gil Zohar
Kenyans Mark 25th Anniversary of Al-Qaida Bombing Of US Embassy
On the morning of Aug. 7, 1998, two powerful explosions ripped apart the U.S. embassy in Nairobi, sending debris and glass shrapnel across the central business district and beyond. In the end, some 200 Kenyans lay dead and another 4,000 people injured as a result of the attack. At the same time, another attack at the U.S. embassy in Dar es Salaam in neighboring Tanzania killed 11. by Tom Osanjo
Buddhists A Majority In China As Christianity’s Growth Struggles
The growth of Christianity in China has stagnated over the past decade, while one-third of the country’s adult population identifies as Buddhist. A new Pew Research Center report found that only 10% of Chinese adults identified with any religious group — but the number rose significantly when survey questions focused on spirituality, customs and superstitions. by Clemente Lisi
Why Faith-Based ‘True Story’ Movies Are So Often Untrue
(OPINION) The uncomfortable problem is that so many faith-based “true story films” turn out to be either totally made up or highly deceptive. For Christians, however, this poses some problems. The Bible is explicitly against lying and repeatedly warns against being deceived. by Joseph Holmes
Pastor’s Conviction Highlights Uganda’s Growing Problem Of Ritual Sacrifice
Cases such as the one involving Pastor Joseph Sserubiri have garnered attention, both in Uganda and internationally, due to their heinous nature. The government and law enforcement agencies have made efforts to combat these crimes, but addressing the issue has proven to be complex due to a combination of factors. by John Semakula
El Papa Francisco Se Ha Convertido En Un Tema Político En Argentina
El pueblo argentino tiene una serie de figuras notables a las que más admiran y veneran. Estas incluyen a los ídolos del fútbol Diego Maradona y Lionel Messi, la activista y política Eva Perón y la estrella del tango Carlos Gardel. Una notable ausencia en esa lista en estos días es la del papa Francisco. by Clemente Lisi
New York Mosques Can Broadcast Call To Prayer Without A Permit
Mosques will no longer need a permit to publicly broadcast the Muslim call to prayer under a new rule announced by New York City Mayor Eric Adams as part of an effort to foster inclusivity. Adams said the guidelines make it easier for mosques to broadcast on Fridays, a traditional Islamic holy day, and at sundown during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. by Clemente Lisi
Q&A With Orthodox Abbess Katherine Weston About Faith And Racial Reconciliation
In a country as economically and socially unstable as Argentina, with almost 47 million people, 100% annual inflation in 2022 and 40% of the population below the poverty line, when a messianic figure capable of changing daily frustrations for joy appears, he is charged with that responsibility: He gives the right not to suffer during the hour and a half that a soccer match lasts. by Jovan Tripkovic
As Violence Engulfs Manipur, People Find Solace in Church
More than 150 individuals have lost their lives in confrontations between the Meitei and Kuki ethnic groups that have swept through Manipur, a northeastern state of India situated on the border with Myanmar. The unrest originated in Churachandpur, a town located just south of the state capital, Imphal, on May 3. by Rishabh Jain
Spiritually Conscious Rapper HerEx Takes On Kendrick Lamar
When people think of the most influential rappers of all time, Kendrick Lamar is definitely on the list. The hip-hop artist made history in 2018 by winning a Pulitzer Prize in songwriting for his album “DAMN.” His lyrical genius and socially conscious rap resonate with millions. To many, he is considered the greatest rapper of all time. This is why we were curious when an anonymous package labeled “Kendrick Lamar's diss track” showed up in our mailbox. by Princess Jones
🏈 Time To Kneel Again: Football Coach Who Won Supreme Court Prayer Case Returns 🔌
In this week’s Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. highlights the return of a high school football coach who won a U.S. Supreme Court case, allowing him to pray on the field. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
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As for the Catholic Church, it did not stick up for parishioners. It should never have bowed to the government’s lockdown. It is a sanctuary and it did not live up to its status. NEXT.... it supported a war in Ukraine. It flew the Ukrainian flag and supported a political issue. I won’t go back there again.