Can the Holy Spirit be livestreamed? : what worshipping online during the COVID-19 pandemic has meant to African Australians

Every Sunday, during her fieldwork, Cristina (one of the co-authors of this piece) would join hundreds of congregants under one roof as they connected with God and their fellow Christians. Time spent in church was emotionally intense, at times viscerally overwhelming, and always accompanied by the loud sounds of Christian music"”heavy on the drums and spirit-filled singing. Congregants would regularly fall to their knees, their hands clasped tightly to their hearts, crying tears of joy or supplication. Many closed their eyes, raising their hands high in the air as if to reach out to God. Some slowly swayed side to side, allowing the music and sound of prayers to engulf them. Sometimes the pastor, sweaty with exertion, would lay his hands on those who came to him seeking healing.