Spartan Newsroom (https://news.jrn.msu.edu/category/worship/page/2/)
PRISON HEADSCARVES: Religious practitioners required to wear head scarves can keep them on for identification photos in the state’s prison system under a new policy prompted by a lawsuit. By Cameryn Cass FOR ALL POINTS
Since Keys to Manifestation opened on July 11, Lansing residents have had the one-stop shop to manifest their destiny. If you have never heard of manifestation or the law of attraction, this small business is the perfect place to start. The store sells crystals, art, books, jewelry, self-care items, and more. They also offer services and host events such as tarot card readings, reiki and classes.
CLOSINGS: Places of worship are closing as the proportion of Americans who formally belong drops. Factors include rising costs of maintenance and increased mobility that makes it easier for worshippers to pick and choose congregations. We talk to a St. Joseph pastor from the Southwestern Baptist Association and the Michigan Conference United Church of Christ. For faith and news sections. By Sheldon Krause, FOR STURGIS, THREE RIVERS, HOLLAND AND ALL POINTS.
When Michigan’s governor issued a stay-at-home order in response to an exploding pandemic of a new variant of the coronavirus almost everything, including churches, shut down. “Immediately my thought went to how do we move forward?” said Pastor Chevez D. Marshall of Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Saginaw.
UNHOLY: The content and timing of a new film released on Good Friday is upsetting some people of faith in Michigan. The trailer for “Unholy” shows at statue of the Virgin Mary bleeding from her eyes, the main character of the movie performing a miracle by healing a parapalegic and a crucifix burning on the altar of a Roman Catholic church. The director says the film is respectful of religion. Two Catholic priests from East Lansing and the director of MSU’s Muslim Studies Program comment. For news and religion/faith sections. By Elaine Mallon. FOR ALL POINTS.
PRISON RAMADAN: Some Muslim prisoners find it difficult to observe the daytime fasting requirement of the holy month of Ramadan, which starts April 13. Two ex-inmates describe their experience. We also hear from the Corrections Department, the directors of MSU’s Muslim Studies Program and Civil Rights Clinic. By Brandon Chew. FOR COLDWATER, BLISSFIELD, MARQUETTE, IONIA, GREENVILLE, SAUL STE. MARIE, BAY MILLS, DETROIT, MANISTEE, LUDINGTON, LANSING CITY PULSE AND ALL POINTS.
Members of Trinity Episcopal Church gathered in a socially distanced parking lot to continue a more than 60-year tradition. Despite the fears of COVID-19, longtime churchgoers weren’t going to let a pandemic get in the way of the celebration.
On this edition of Focal Point, we take a look at how the new epidemic order is affecting local businesses, what spring semester housing could look like, and the cancellation of Saturday’s football game. All those stories and more on Focal Point.
The oldest known religious site is 11,000 years old. Ever since gathering together has been an important part of many religious practices. With large gatherings being tied to the spread of COVID-19, religious organizations have to adapt services
Riverview Church used to have a group meeting at MSU’s Union every Sunday. The church began meeting online in March and plans to continue online services until the pandemic passes. Similarly, the Shaarey Zedek, a Jewish Synagogue in East Lansing went virtual in March.
Hundreds of children headed back to St. Gerard Catholic School in September under new circumstances with some students returning to classrooms while other learn online.