How The Pandemic Has Changed Worship In America And The Debate Over Religious Freedom

Two Easters have now come and gone since the pandemic began, and the need for restrictions has not gone away. It has faith communities wondering when things will get back to normal. NPR's Lee Hale reports on how faith leaders have approached worship differently since the pandemic began.

And the coronavirus hasn't just changed the way Americans worship, it's also changed the conversation about the freedom to worship. Asma Uddin, a religious liberty lawyer and writer, discusses how the debate over whether worship should be deemed "essential" has been influenced by political divisiveness around the country.

In participating regions, you'll also hear from local journalists about what's happening in your community.

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This episode was produced by Brent Baughman, Brianna Scott and Lee Hale. It was edited by Sami Yenigun with help from Jason DeRose and Wynne Davis. Our executive producer is Cara Tallo.