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In-person classes. Old buildings. Almost no COVID. Are Philly Catholic schools a blueprint?

Avi Wolfman-Arent

February 21, 2021 |

WHYY |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Catholic schools in Philadelphia that have reopened during the pandemic have been able to avoid in-school community transmission amongst students and staff. Relying heavily on safety precautions, rigid systems and protocols, and community trust, the schools have been able to bring back 95% of their elementary students for face-to-face learning.

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No pew? No problem. Online church is revitalizing congregations.

G. Jeffrey MacDonald

February 09, 2021 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Dallas, Texas

Despite coronavirus restrictions shifting to allow churches to reopen, across the U.S. many religious institutions are continuing their digital video conferencing options as a means of reaching a wider audience. The use of video streaming church services has eliminated the geographical constraints for many, but it has also introduced "challenging questions about what it means to be a church where some people can’t take part in defining activities."

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How a Young Activist Is Helping Pope Francis Battle Climate Change

David Owen

February 08, 2021 |

The New Yorker |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: Holy See (Vatican City State), Rome

Molly Burhans, a young cartographer and environmentalist, is using GIS technology to map out the Catholic Church’s global property holdings to encourage them to improve the environmental impact on the lands they own. Burhans’ organization called GoodLands has been working with various parishes and dioceses to help Church leaders — including Pope Francis — understand their vast landholdings. While finances and COVID-19 have impacted her progress, Burhans’ maps have been used for other purposes like mapping Catholic radio stations in Africa and tracking the whereabouts of priests accused of sexual abuse.

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When church goes online: Battle Creek congregation finds opportunity in pandemic imposed alternative

Jane Simons

January 28, 2021 |

Second Wave Michigan |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Battle Creek, Michigan

In Battle Creek, Michigan, a church has turned to holding online Sunday service during the pandemic, and in doing so, has gained a larger congregation. While there are limitations to attending online services, and some don't feel like "Internet-based connections" are real, around 200 people still attend each online service, including some individuals from overseas.

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Students Strengthen Their Faith by Making Own Bible Study Group Due to COVID-19

Jayla Johnson

January 20, 2021 |

Grady Newsource |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Athens, Georgia

College students from the University of Georgia meet virtually every week for a bible study group that allows them to connect and worship despite social distancing restrictions that have been in place since the onset of the pandemic. Building a virtual religious community has also provided benefits - such as flexibility - which were not possible in person.

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The ex-monk and the Thai sex mafia: helping victims find another way

Edward Girardet

January 04, 2021 |

Global Geneva Magazine |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Thailand

Wat Arun Rajvaram Community Learning Centre, founded on Buddhist precepts by a former monk, has trained more than 250 Thai young women for work as nurse assistants, jobs aimed at keeping them out of the illicit sex trade, forced labor, and arranged marriages. High school graduates, ages 16 to 19, are selected in groups of 15-20 per year, mostly on scholarships paid by donors. They typically come from rural towns where poor families often sell their daughters to traffickers. Nearly all graduate and are guaranteed jobs at hospitals and health centers in Bangkok or elsewhere in Thailand.

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Amid COVID and Racial Unrest, Black Churches Put Faith in Mental Health Care

Aneri Pattani

December 01, 2020 |

Kaiser Health News |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Durham, North Carolina

Black churches across the U.S. are collaborating with psychologists and counselors to offer their community access to mental health care services during the coronavirus pandemic. Although not all congregants were initially receptive to the idea of intertwining religion with virtual psychology presentations and on-site counselors, "over time, some members of the clergy have come to realize the two can coexist."

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Transgender Pakistanis find solace in a church of their own

Kathy Gannon

November 25, 2020 |

Associated Press |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: Pakistan, Karachi

Pakistan's only church for transgender Christians has given its members the safety, acceptance, and joy they are often denied in the conservative, predominantly Muslim country. Called the First Church of Eunuchs – the name, considered derogatory by some, echoes the term for transgender women in South Asia – was formed by the country's only transgender lawyer, herself a Muslim, as a refuge for transgender Christians, who are often shunned, bullied, and abused by others, including other churches. The government recognized transgender as a third gender, but that has not changed all attitudes.

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How faith leaders organized to win two major environmental victories in Louisiana

Sara Sneath Carly Berlin

November 13, 2020 |

Southerly |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Religious leaders in Louisiana successfully mobilized their communities to vote against a state amendment that would give manufacturers a tax break at the expense of local governments. The interfaith network of 250 religious organizations took on the role of educating their congregations and neighborhoods. Plans for a large plastics manufacturing plant have also been delayed due to the efforts of religious groups.

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N.Y.P.D. Will No Longer Force Women to Remove Hijabs for Mug Shots

Alan Feuer

November 09, 2020 |

The New York Times |

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Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

Two Muslim women arrested on minor charges and forced to remove their hijabs for mugshots sued the New York Police Department and won a settlement that changes the department's policy. The women said they were humiliated and shamed by having to bare their heads in front of male strangers, which is against their religious teachings. The NYPD agreed to allow religious head coverings in booking photographs under most circumstances. The NYPD had attempted to modify its photo practices in the past, but had not officially changed its main policy manual, which it will do now.

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