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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 |

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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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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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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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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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Some Christian schools are finally grappling with their racist past and segregated present

Bekah McNeel

August 26, 2020 |

The Hechinger Report |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States

There is a race problem within Christian schools. More than half of non-Catholic Christian schools reported that 80 percent of their students are white. At a time of heightened racial tensions in America, some evangelicals are trying to change that. Hiring more staff of color, changing requirements that excluded black and brown students, and having difficult conversations, are some steps some schools are taking. “The world expects more from Christians,” Gross said, “And they should.”

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‘Drive-in' Mass in parking lot feeds faith, fellowship, despite sudden storm

Maudlyne Ihejirika

July 26, 2020 |

Chicago Sun-Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

Parishioners are reunited for worship again in one Chicago church's parking lot with a "drive-in Mass." The Catholic congregation tuned into a radio station to hear the priest from their cars while lined up in rows to receive communion. Members of the church have been able to join in for online services since the health crisis began, but they missed the physical ritual of Communion.

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How the University of Dayton divested from fossil fuels — and what happened to its bottom line

Brian Roewe

July 14, 2020 |

National Catholic Reporter |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Dayton, Ohio

In 2014, the University of Dayton, a Catholic institution, made a public commitment to divest its investment portfolio from any fossil fuel funding. The university has since fulfilled and stayed strong on its commitment, but the process involved putting together committees to identify and replace fossil fuel companies in its portfolio, looking for more environmentally ethical companies, and investing in more sustainable companies and practices.

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Churches are an unlikely ally in solving the rural internet access puzzle

Liora Engel-Smith

May 21, 2020 |

North Carolina Health News |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Robbinsville, North Carolina

With the help of a program that enables churches to assess the needs of their community and create solutions, one reverend in North Carolina was able to provide a lifeline: internet access. Rural communities like his in North Carolina struggle with internet access and are unable to schedule vital telehealth visits, complete school work or work from home. The funds paid for internet as well as several old computers and 14 hotspots.

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Local Church Doubles Attendance Without Seating a Single Person

Amanda Regan

April 15, 2020 |

Grady Newsource |

Broadcast TV News |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Watkinsville, Georgia

Watkinsville First Baptist Church in Georgia moved their religious services online as early as March 15th, 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Since the church began posting their services every Sunday morning, they have seen their attendance nearly double compared to in-person attendance. They also interact with the congregation through their Facebook page, website, and email. They plan on continuing to post their services online even after the quarantine ends, because they're expecting things to continue to be different after the pandemic.

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Zoom Shabbat, drive-through confessional: Faith during coronavirus

Harry Bruinius

March 27, 2020 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Chelmsford, Massachusetts

Many religious institutions have to come up with creative ways to "congregate" amidst the coronavirus breakout and strict quarantine restrictions around the country. From drive-through confession to virtual Shabbat, congregations find a way to practice their faith, despite questions about the morality of practicing without an in-person community.

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