Superspreader.
That’s a new word we’ve learned in 2020, thanks to the global pandemic.
Speaking of which, much attention has focused on in-person worship assemblies as potential superspreader events for COVID-19 — and understandably so.
This week, an in-depth New York Times article drew a bunch of attention with this provocative headline: “Churches were eager to reopen. Now they are a major source of coronavirus cases.”
It’s a fascinating, must-read piece. But also, I appreciated the important questions that Ed Stetzer’s blog at Christianity Today raised about the context — or lack thereof — on the numbers that the Times highlighted. GetReligion’s Terry Mattingly also voiced concerns.
Meanwhile, the Deseret News’ Herb Scribner reported on movie theaters suing New Jersey, arguing that if churches can open, then cinemas can, too. Personal confession: I won’t be eating popcorn anywhere except for my couch for a while.
One more pandemic-related note: I missed this interview when it was first published last week, but it’s an amazing (and encouraging) read: Enjoy New York magazine writer Jebediah Reed’s “Long talk with Anthony Fauci’s boss about the pandemic, vaccines, and faith.”
Power Up: The Week’s Best Reads
1. Megachurch pastor John Ortberg kept a family member’s attraction to children secret. Then his son blew the whistle. Whether delving into an end-times cat cult or how a beloved worship song helped fuel spiritual abuse, Bob Smietana is a master at long-form investigative journalism on the religion beat.
Smietana, the editor-in-chief of Religion News Service, delivers another masterpiece with his 3,350-word Ortberg piece.
2. Washington’s ‘Church of Presidents’ etched in history: Elana Schor, The Associated Press’ national reporter for religion and politics, is still relatively new to covering faith.
Already, though, she has demonstrated a knack for producing timely and insightful coverage on a regular basis. Her latest feature — following up on President Donald Trump’s famous church photo op — dives into the history of St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Bonus reason to click the link: the exceptional photos (several in black and white) of past presidents visiting St. John’s.
Continue reading “Churches As Superspreaders: Worship Connection To COVID-19 Making News,” by Bobby Ross, Jr., at Religion Unplugged.