Many churches broadcast their worship services – edited, usually, and distributed over the air or on cable.  Now, more and more churches are taking advantage of streaming to present their services live, over the internet and available around the world.  There are problems, such as how to include absent audiences in such rituals as communion or baptisms. Correspondent Dan Lothian look into this.

Amid this week’s interfaith memorial service for the slain police officers in Dallas and ongoing protests against police killings of black men, many faith leaders have been calling for dramatic changes in race relations and the pursuit of justice. Host Bob Abernethy and Managing Editor Kim Lawton talk about the current challenges and prospects for healing with Lisa Sharon Harper.

In the Roman Catholic Church, laymen called deacons may perform some duties of priests, such as presiding at baptisms, marriages and funerals. Currently, only men are allowed to be Catholic deacons. Pope Francis recently said he would establish a commission to study whether the diaconate should be opened to women as well. Judy Valente reports on efforts to see women included.

Virginia Theological Seminary not only has a new chapel – but, a new organ as well. Professor William Roberts describes the unique new instrument – custom designed by a builder in Staunton, Virginia.

Music critics say during his more than 20-year-long career, Kirk Franklin has revolutionized gospel music, blending it with R&B, rap, pop, and hip-hop. He has received 10 Grammy awards and has sold more than 10 million albums. Correspondent Kim Lawton caught up with Franklin in Baltimore during his most recent concert tour, where they talked about his Christian faith.

Churches have traditionally kept their facilities open, even when worship services are not taking place. However, recent violent incidents have prompted some congregations to reassess how they can do this while still keeping members secure. Lucky Severson reports on the issue, speaking with clergy and police.

This year is the tenth anniversary of what Amish people in Pennsylvania call “The Happening.” In the village of Nickel Mines, in Lancaster County, a heavily armed young man—not Amish—entered an Amish schoolhouse and murdered five little girls, wounded five more, and then killed himself. Correspondent David Tereshchuk reports from Amish country on the extraordinary demonstrations of forgiveness.

It was a term defined by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Nevertheless, the High Court completed its work this week (June27) after handing down a number of decisions important to religious communities. The eight justices ruled on immigration, abortion, the so-called “contraception mandate” in the Affordable Care Act, and affirmative action in college admissions.

We round up the religion-and-politics news of the week, from Donald Trump’s meeting with evangelicals to reactions from supporters and detractors.

There may be other charities that are larger or more helpful, but the welfare tradition within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must be one of the world’s best. As correspondent Lucky Severson reports from Salt Lake City, the program supplies food, clothes, and all kinds of care to those in need—Mormon or not. 

In the 1950s, when there was still a draft forcing many young men into military service, a group of Quakers, mostly from Alabama, decided their religious commitment to nonviolence forced them to leave the US rather than bear arms.  They moved to Costa Rica in Central America, and helped that country preserve and develop its forests—so much so it is now among the world’s most popular destinations.

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On June 21, Donald Trump has planned an invitation-only, closed-door meeting in New York with 500 evangelical leaders. Evangelicals have voted overwhelmingly Republican. While Trump has some support in the conservative Christian community, there are also lingering concerns about his character and suitability to be president. Kim Lawton looks at evangelical divisions over Trump.

In the wake of the June 12 massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando, we report on responses from communities of faith, including condemnations of the violence, demonstrations of interfaith solidarity, debate about fighting terrorism, calls for stricter gun control, and renewed discussions about religion and homosexuality.

At least 30 US governors have said they don't want Syrian refugees to come to their states. But conservative, red-state Utah not only welcomes refugees but over the years has resettled 60,000. Correspondent Lucky Severson reports from Salt Lake City on why Utah has a history of welcoming strangers and what religious groups are doing to help out.

“There is a lot of wondering” among young Jesuit volunteers, says Father Rick Malloy, one of their chaplains. “There is a lot of thinking, and I have seen the fruits of it: “ruined for life.” They live their lives in a different way. This year goes very quickly,,,and there’s a real possibility of this impacting your life in ways that are transformative forever.”

With evangelicals—a mainstay of the Republican coalition—divided over whether to support Donald Trump, Kim Lawton reports that both Trump and Hillary Clinton reached out to that community through video messages to an important Latino evangelical conference. Lawton looks at how Trump is ramping up efforts to secure evangelical support and interviews Trump campaign advisor Frank Amedia.

The Jesuit Volunteer Corps is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. It is one of a number of denomination- and church-related service organizations that gives young college graduates a chance to change their lives by living simply in community with one another and by serving those in need.

There are a number of Christian healthcare sharing ministries throughout the US. Unlike traditional insurance companies, they collect monthly dues and then distribute the money to subscribers who have medical bills to pay. Correspondent Lucky Severson reports on these programs and visits with members of one, Samaritan Ministries.