(The Slice): The church was rendered non-essential in 2020 by the U.S. goenment causing backlash rom religious leaders. While the DC mayor relaxed Coronavirus restrictions for churches to gather on Christmas, churches had been closed to public gatheings for most of the year. The Archdiocese of Washington sued D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser over the city's COVID-19 restrictions on in-person church services, calling them "arbitrary," "illegal" and "unscientific" and arguing they favor businesses like restaurants over houses of worship. The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday sided with a Colorado church in its challenge of the state's COVID-19 restrictions, vacating a lower court's order and requiring a federal appeals court to reexamine the case. The Right to beleive organization responded to these challenges to religious freedom stating in a press relase, "It should also concern people of all faiths that the courts are often all too ready to use such cases as opportunities to expand their powers and authority. Judicial overreach opens a Pandora's box of government encroachment into religious expression and free exercise. It can, and often does, lead to protracted legal battles; distracting religious organizations and nonprofits from their primary missions; and forcing them to bear heavy costs to defend themselves.
By Mona Austin One of the most eligible bacherlors in Christianity has tied the knot - Marvin Winans remarries After being single for almost 30 years, legendary gospel singer and Bishop Marvin L. Winans, Sr. has wed his long time girlfriend Deneen R. Carter. Carter is a 57-year-old physical therapist and minister at Perfecting Church in Detroit, founded by Winans. Little is known about the bride publicly. The gospel legend introduced the now Mrs. Winans as his fiance to the congregants of Perfecting in October of 2021. The couple had been in a relationship for 15 years. Pastor Winans was previously married to fellow gospel singer Vicki Winans (with whom he has two sons) for 16 years before they divorced in 1995. Held at the Colony Club in Detroit, MI, on April 22, the wedding was officiated by fellow COGIC Bishop Darrell Hines. "Let their lives be full of joy as they live according to your word," he prayed. If we are judging by floral count, this could be one of th...