Here are some important law-and-religion news stories from around the web:
- The DOJ on Tuesday filed a statement of interest in a lawsuit brought by Temple Baptist Church in Greenville (MS) after police ticketed congregants during a drive-in service amid the state’s shelter-in-place order.
- Three California churches have sued Gov. Newsom (D) and local officials over stay-at-home orders that ban religious gatherings.
- Legacy Church in Albuquerque (NM) has sued Gov. Grisham (D) after she expanded the state’s ban on mass gatherings to include places of worship.
- Three churchgoers who received notices to quarantine after attending an in-person Easter service at Maryville Baptist Church in Bullitt County (KY) have sued Gov. Beshear (D) over the state’s ban on mass gatherings.
- Alliance Defending Freedom filed a lawsuit against the city of Greensboro and Guilford County (NC) on behalf of pro-life activists who were arrested for violating an emergency proclamation related to the COVID-19 pandemic after they engaged in prayer outside an abortion facility.
- Bishop Baldacchino of Las Cruces (NM) lifted a diocesan ban on public celebration of Mass, issued guidelines for distribution of Holy Communion, and told priests they may resume sacramental ministry if they follow state-ordered health precautions.
- Two lawsuits were filed against the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte (NC) claiming two boys were sexually abused in separate instances by two priests decades ago.
- About half of Americans (49%) say the Bible should have at least “some” influence on U.S. laws, including nearly a quarter (23%) who say it should have “a great deal” of influence, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey.