More Alaska churches reopen as COVID numbers remain low
More churches across Alaska are beginning to reopen under updated health guidelines released on May 8 as part of phase two of reopening the state. As of May 11, Alaska had just 53 active cases of COVID-19. The new guidelines allow for up to 50 people in
ACLU of Alaska keeps quiet on religious liberty restrictions
The ACLU, including the Alaska chapter, claims to be very busy protecting fundamental liberties during the COVID-19 crisis. A series of recent emails from the national group boasts that during the pandemic their attorneys have filed over 100 legal actions for
Take caution, yes, but don’t trample religious liberty amid a pandemic
Last month, the mayor of Louisville, Kentucky, banned all religious services as part of the effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. The ban applied to a drive-in service planned by the On Fire Christian Center on Easter Sunday. On Holy Saturday, Federal
Governor asks Alaskans to join National Day of Prayer
They won’t physically gather in churches or city parks or banquet halls this year, but hundreds of Alaskans will join believers around the nation to bow their heads and turn to God during the National Day of Prayer. Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a proclamation
Mandates raise legal questions regarding treatment of Alaska churches
Last week U.S. Attorney General William Barr instructed the Department of Justice to be on the lookout for state and local laws that violate the religious liberties of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Barr directed the DOJ to take action to correct
Defending religious rights during COVID-19
Alliance Defending Freedom has defended a number of churches across the country that had their constitutional rights violated by state and local mandates aimed at addressing the coronavirus outbreak. At issue in nearly all cases is the need for governments to
Catholic churches reopen in northern Alaska with health measures in place
Following updated health mandates released last week by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, Catholic parishes across northern Alaska have begun to hold religious services, including distribution of communion. A letter published on April 28 by Fairbanks Bishop Chad Zielinski
Alaska issues health alert for religious gatherings
Just days before Easter – one of the most important religious events of the year – the State of Alaska has released safety guidelines for religious groups. The April 7 health alert from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services says places of
Coronavirus sheds light on our ‘essential’ values
COVID-19 is, among many other things, a conversation starter. It touches nearly every part of life and has shed some unexpected light on what we most value. Here are few observations from the past week. JUNK FOOD & SPIRITUAL SUSTENANCE Last month,
Dunleavy working with churches to ensure Holy Week events are safe
Governor Mike Dunleavy is in conversation with pastors and ministers across Alaska to address their concerns about holding religious services during the COVID-19 outbreak. During his April 3 press conference, he emphasized the need for people to stay six feet
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