July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

L.A. Churches Struggle to Survive in the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected so many facets of public and social life. One of the most important gatherings for so many people is church, especially in Los Angeles where the population is 48.6 percent Latino. Latinos are typically Catholics, who want to attend church on Sunday. They are also suffering more from COVID-19 pandemic more than the white residents of the city. While Catholics aren’t the only religious people in Los Angeles by a long shot, it is representative of how many people want to worship. 

L.A. is made up of 32 percent Catholics and 65 percent Christians, not to mention the others who also want to attend their churches and worship. With the crowds, singing, hand-shaking, and hugging, it is no surprise the churches are a main source of COVID-19 transmissions. A lot of religious communities are taking their services online with software for managing a church. Technology is helping us adapt to challenges that COVID-19 has brought upon our society. With gatherings like church being a main culprit of infections, everyone is forced to change with the times. 

Some Churches Refuse to Stop Holding Services

While it has been proven that churches are a source of COVID-19 transmissions, a lot of churches have refused to stop holding services. This doesn’t just apply to church services before the data showed how many cases were being transmitted in churches, houses of worship have continued to hold sermons services. 

Over the Christmas holiday, many churches in Los Angeles held indoor services. Despite the health concerns and lockdown measures put into place by the State of California and its counties, the L.A. County Public Health Department announced that indoor religious services would be allowed again with six-feet physical distancing between households and mandatory face masks. 

This was a ruling against Governor Gavin Newsom’s restrictions on religious gatherings, arguing that it violates the First Amendment. Like protests, church gatherings are being allowed but they undoubtedly increase the number of COVID-19 infections. The Health Department warned against indoor gatherings in general and that it would result in additional transmissions and hospitalizations. Some churches are choosing to hold indoor services, but others are using technology to overcome these public health challenges. 

Using Technology to Overcome Challenges

Technology has facilitated the process of transitioning to a COVID-19 lifestyle in a number of ways. Companies, whether they are involved solely in tech or not, have adapted by sending employees home and having them work from home. With video conferences and other software programs to bring people together, the world is using these technologies much more than ever before. 

While business evolved with the times quickly, churches have lagged behind. Of course you can’t recreate the community of being with people in person. Spiritual and religious gatherings suffer without a doubt. But now churches are starting to do the same. With so many cases of COVID-19, hospitalizations, and a lack of ICU beds, everyone is being forced to change. 

Churches are now holding sermons, mass, and other services on technological software that can not only offer video streaming but church management services and other resources. These technologies were designed to help religious leaders grow the church without sacrificing personal connection and community. There are new products popping up to help churches accomplish their mission with tools that will enable the staff and manage the growth of churches. 

Increasing Church Populations

While churches are being discouraged from gathering, this doesn’t necessarily mean that churches can’t continue to grow. Attending services can actually be a reason people didn’t become patrons of a specific religious organization. With modern technologies, people can attend services online and get a sense of community without leaving their home. New software technology is helping churches measure and understand their patronage. By managing groups, community involvement, and streaming high-quality video for services, new technology can connect churches with individuals and help them engage with congregants. 

The challenges of COVID-19 are multi-faceted and complex. They may seem insurmountable, but technology has shown that we can evolve to meet them. While gatherings are a problem and churches account for a decent amount of transmissions, it is possible to stay connected and be a part of a community without putting at-risk individuals in harm’s way. Churches are struggling to survive in the pandemic. They need to adapt with technology to increase their patronage and donations, and it is entirely within grasp. A willingness to evolve will reward everyone. This is not just for big business companies, it applies to churches as well. 

Ryan Beitler is a journalist, writer, and blogger who has written for Paste Magazine, The Slovenia Times, New Noise Magazine, and many more. 

in News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...