Archdiocese of Baltimore, Episcopal bishops release coronavirus reopening guidelines

From Maryland-

The Episcopal dioceses are taking a similar approach. The bishops of Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., pledged to coordinate their reopening efforts as the political leaders of the region have been doing, and announced a phased reopening plan for when services are allowed to resume.

“The hard truth is that we will not be able to welcome all people into our places of worship for the foreseeable future,” the bishops wrote in the announcement. “Thus we must prepare for different stages of regathering, following the guidelines of civic leaders.

"Moreover, the process of regathering may not be uniform, but vary according to county or region, and we must also prepare for the possibility of suspending in-person gatherings again should cases of infection rise.”

Phase one, while stay-at-home orders and other crowd restrictions are in place, consists of virtual worship, bible study and other activities.

More here-

https://www.capitalgazette.com/coronavirus/bs-md-archdiocese-baltimore-coronavirus-parishes-20200505-xqyyfli3mff5hpvfoeyy6vjaxi-story.html

Pandemic puts some bishop retirements on hold, delays elections, alters dioceses’ consecration plans

From ENS-

Calling a new bishop isn’t a simple task under normal conditions. Add a global pandemic to the timetable, and most Episcopal dioceses have had no choice but to adjust or freeze even their best-laid plans for leadership transitions.

“We didn’t want to stop the timeline if we could possibly do it,” said the Rev. Linda Anderson, who co-chairs the Diocese of Wyoming committee that is reviewing candidates to replace Bishop John Smylie, who is retiring in early 2021. The search committee had scheduled a retreat last week with the semi-finalists, and “there were some panicky moments when we thought, this can’t possibly happen,” Anderson told Episcopal News Service.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the committee’s retreat proceeded mostly as planned – not in person, but as a two-day online video conference. For now, the Diocese of Wyoming remains on track to announce its slate of nominees this month in anticipation of an election at the diocesan convention in September.

More here-

https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2020/05/05/pandemic-puts-bishop-retirements-on-hold-delays-elections-alters-dioceses-consecration-plans/

British public turn to prayer as one in four tune in to religious services

From The Guardian-

A quarter of adults in the UK have watched or listened to a religious service since the coronavirus lockdown began, and one in 20 have started praying during the crisis, according to a new survey.

The findings of the poll reinforce indications of an increase in the numbers of people turning to faith for succour amid uncertainty and despair.

The Church of England has said that unexpectedly high numbers of people are tuning into online or broadcast services, and 6,000 people phoned a prayer hotline in its first 48 hours of operation. Other faiths have also reported surges in people engaging with online religious activities as places of worship have been closed during the lockdown.

The survey of more than 2,000 people, commissioned by the Christian aid agency Tearfund and carried out last weekend, found that a third of young adults aged between 18 and 34 had watched or listened to an online or broadcast religious service, compared with one in five adults over the age of 55.

More here-

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/03/british-public-turn-to-prayer-as-one-in-four-tune-in-to-religious-services?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other&fbclid=IwAR3rhgPsd3Jx-E_fxh85lE6cxtugY-VZQsxSsj02xACNeFBcw4o0Q2m1qNE

Catholic, Episcopal churches release plans to phase in worship

From Baltimore-

The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland's plan also follows the governor's vision for reopening. The diocese has four phases, with the first phase being the current situation.

|| Episcopal Diocese of Maryland's plans for reopening ||

Phase two is similar to the Catholic Church in resuming in-person gatherings with limited attendance.
Phase three would see larger gatherings, youth groups and other classes resuming.

Phase four, which wouldn't take place until there's a vaccine, would resume gatherings with no limitations, no facial covering requirement and no restrictions on sacraments.

More here-

https://www.wbaltv.com/article/catholic-archdiocese-of-baltimore-episcopal-diocese-of-maryland-church-plans-phase-in-worship/32368588#

Anglican Bishop warns priests against allowing worshippers without face masks into church

From Nigeria-

The Bishop of Anglican Communion, Aba Ngwa North, Rt. Rev Nathan Kanu, has threatened to sanction any priest that allows members to attend church service without face mask.

The Anglican Bishop also decried negligence of the government’s directives on COVID-19 lockdown put together by governors of the affected states in containing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Kanu made this known while delivering sermon attended by our correspondent on Sunday.

He said church leaders in various denominations in Abia State assured to take personal responsibility for the enforcement of the rules on social distancing and face masks during service.

More here-

https://dailypost.ng/2020/05/03/covid-19-anglican-bishop-warns-priests-against-allowing-worshippers-without-face-masks-into-church/

Interfaith effort collecting, donating diapers and personal hygiene products

From Springfield Mass.-

Sometimes women have to choose between diapers for their babies or tampons for themselves. Sometimes those items are sacrificed to pay the rent or electric bill.

“Given the shut-down of many non-profits and take-away centers during this COVID-19 pandemic, food banks are allocating their available space for food items. This means that families may have to choose between food, paying their electric bill or buying personal care products like diapers,” said the Rev. Charlotte H. LaForest, rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Longmeadow. “An inadequate supply of these items can lead to health issues.”

So when a concern was raised about the need for diapers, feminine products and incontinence supplies, LaForest and church members formed Longmeadow Loves, a supply drive throughout the month of May.

More here-

https://www.masslive.com/living/2020/05/interfaith-effort-collecting-donating-diapers-and-personal-hygiene-products.html

Staten Island pastor welcomes homeless people into church amid coronavirus

From New York-

Rev. Terry Troia refuses to be cowed by the coronavirus.

The Episcopal pastor and her 15 volunteers are helping more than 250 homeless people per day, using a loyal network of faith-based emergency shelters on Staten Island that she has cultivated for nearly 40 years.

It’s a relationship that has remained resilient during the worst of the coronavirus pandemic as most churches and houses of worship in the rest of the city shut down their emergency homeless programs in March when the contagion started to spread.

“For years there was no place for homeless to go to on Staten Island,” said Troia, 62, who heads up the non-profit, interfaith Project Hospitality. “But necessity really is the mother of invention because since 1984, we have forged a strong relationship with these churches.”

More here-

https://nypost.com/2020/05/02/nyc-pastor-welcomes-homeless-into-church-amid-coronavirus/

Let’s Care For Our Brothers And Sisters Behind Bars

From Hawaii-

We, as members of the faith community, write to express our strong support and compassion for all members of our communities across Hawaii Nei during these uncertain times.

The novel coronavirus – COVID-19 — is a serious public health crisis that requires everyone’s kokua if we are to paddle our canoe forward through these rocky shoals.

We express our concern for our brothers and sisters who are living and working in Hawaii’s jails and prisons.

Dr. Pablo Stewart is a licensed clinician who trains psychiatric residents at John A. Burns School of Medicine to provide psychiatric care to people detained at Oahu Community Correctional Center.

His deep concerns were articulated in an April 8 letter to the Hawaii Correctional Oversight Commission about what he has observed working at OCCC four times a week.

More here-

https://www.civilbeat.org/2020/05/lets-care-for-our-brothers-and-sisters-behind-bars/

Detroit pastors keep the faith after getting the coronavirus

From Michigan-

Flowers also urged Detroiters to follow social distancing and not congregate outside the home for church or other gatherings. 

His views are echoed by three Episcopal bishops in Michigan who wrote an open letter last week titled: "We believe in Jesus, science and staying home."

"As the Episcopal Bishops of the State of Michigan and as a people of faith, we follow the commandment Jesus gave us — to 'love our neighbors as ourselves,' "  wrote the Rt. Rev. Bonnie Perry, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan, the Rt. Rev. Whayne Hougland, Bishop of the Episcopal Dioceses of Eastern & Western Michigan, and the Rt. Rev. Rayford Ray, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan. "Loving our neighbors these days in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic means setting limits: quarantining, refraining from traveling, physical distancing when in public, and closing down places of gathering where transmission is likely. This is how we love our neighbors — by working to slow the spread of this extremely contagious, life-threatening virus."

More here-

https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2020/05/02/detroit-pastors-coronavirus-diagnosis/3050791001/

A "Pissing" Section in the Pool

From Olympia-

“A Pissing Section in the Pool.” That is what he said. I don’t even remember what news program and what epidemiologist, as I am in the Zoom/News blur of pandemic life, but I very much remember his answer. The reporter asked the epidemiologist, “with no federal coordinated response, and some governors defying guidelines for reopening, do you think this uncoordinated approach will work?” The epidemiologist just looked back at the camera and said, “does a pissing section in the pool work?”

And like a Damascus road experience I was suddenly able to see in a way I had not before. You may be wondering where I am going with this, and those of you that hound me about “staying out of politics” or “staying in my lane” which usually is translated really to, staying out of YOUR politics, or out of YOUR lane, I am going to look at this theologically, the Church, my lane.

More here-

http://www.bishoprickel.com/blog/a-pissing-section-in-the-pool?fbclid=IwAR20zMrmc1Ge72kVwwpxjdNw52HkoSUXFl5XpO5X-Vza7hCJ0VxHCfGyOlQ#

Let churches reopen, just like restaurants - Sapit

From Kenya-

Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit has appealed to the government to allow churches to reopen with a condition of operating on under the guidelines set by the Ministry of Health.

Sapit said just like restaurants - which have been allowed to reopen pending obtaining of new permits - churches also have enough space to prevent close contact during their services.

“Using the church premises, not only the church building itself but the church compound, we can still gather people and worship God with strict measures,” Sapit said.

Sapit spoke on Thursday at St. Luke ACK in Narok county, where he asked the Ministry of Health to be transparent and give proper accountability on the resources put in their hands by well-wishers who have given money to combat Covid-19.

More here-

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2020-04-30-let-churches-reopen-just-like-restaurants-sapit/

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As the coronavirus shutdown drags on, many churchgoers might be experiencing the longest absence of the Eucharist they have had in years — perhaps even their lives.
And while faith leaders have resorted to virtual services or maybe even “drive-through Holy Communion,” there has been the debate about whether the Eucharist can still be called that if the pastor is alone in a church on Facebook Live.
The Eucharist is the Christian ceremony commemorating the Last Supper, in which bread and wine are consecrated. Faith leaders of different religions are divided on whether the Eucharist can be done at home.
Churches in the Catholic tradition, including Anglicans, Episcopalians and Old Catholics, often use the “Eucharist” term to refer to the entire rite, according to the Episcopal News Service website. The Communion is used for only the bread and wine, the sacramental elements itself.
The Church of the Apostles says, “because the Eucharist is vital to the Body of Christ, we are making every effort to receive this grace.” Each family and household can receive communion in the context of a shared, corporate worship service in their homes while worshiping online.

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As the coronavirus shutdown drags on, many churchgoers might be experiencing the longest absence of the Eucharist they have had in years — perhaps even their lives.
And while faith leaders have resorted to virtual services or maybe even “drive-through Holy Communion,” there has been the debate about whether the Eucharist can still be called that if the pastor is alone in a church on Facebook Live.
The Eucharist is the Christian ceremony commemorating the Last Supper, in which bread and wine are consecrated. Faith leaders of different religions are divided on whether the Eucharist can be done at home.
Churches in the Catholic tradition, including Anglicans, Episcopalians and Old Catholics, often use the “Eucharist” term to refer to the entire rite, according to the Episcopal News Service website. The Communion is used for only the bread and wine, the sacramental elements itself.
The Church of the Apostles says, “because the Eucharist is vital to the Body of Christ, we are making every effort to receive this grace.” Each family and household can receive communion in the context of a shared, corporate worship service in their homes while worshiping online.

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Twitter

Email

Print

• Save

As the coronavirus shutdown drags on, many churchgoers might be experiencing the longest absence of the Eucharist they have had in years — perhaps even their lives.
And while faith leaders have resorted to virtual services or maybe even “drive-through Holy Communion,” there has been the debate about whether the Eucharist can still be called that if the pastor is alone in a church on Facebook Live.
The Eucharist is the Christian ceremony commemorating the Last Supper, in which bread and wine are consecrated. Faith leaders of different religions are divided on whether the Eucharist can be done at home.
Churches in the Catholic tradition, including Anglicans, Episcopalians and Old Catholics, often use the “Eucharist” term to refer to the entire rite, according to the Episcopal News Service website. The Communion is used for only the bread and wine, the sacramental elements itself.
The Church of the Apostles says, “because the Eucharist is vital to the Body of Christ, we are making every effort to receive this grace.” Each family and household can receive communion in the context of a shared, corporate worship service in their homes while worshiping online.

Richmond church offering relief for non-profits, businesses

From Virginia-

A Richmond institution created a fund to help organizations struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church established a COVID-19 Relief Fund “to respond to the unprecedented levels of need in Richmond.”

The West Grace Street church made an initial investment of $150,000 to serve those in need.
On Thursday, Lynn Williams handed out bagged lunches to anyone who approached the church’s North 9th street entrance.

The Director of Outreach and Community Engagement has noticed new faces among those looking for food assistance.

“It’s more people out there that’s lost their jobs and their regular income and so they’re coming for the meal,” Williams explained. 

More here-

https://www.wtvr.com/rebound/coronavirus-money-help/richmond-church-offering-relief-for-non-profits-businesses

Idaho Churches Gear Up To Resume In-Person Worship

From Idaho-

Episcopal Bishop Brian Thom says the 26 churches in Idaho's Diocese will not resume in-person worship until at least May 24.

"Everything about church is contrary to social distancing," Thom quipped. "The sitting in tight quarters, the passing of the peace and the common cup." 

"I have a weekly meeting with my clergy on zoom, and I thought they were going to be pushing to open but it was quite the opposite," the Bishop said.

The Episcopal Church in Idaho has good reason to be cautious. The parrish in Sun Valley was an early epicenter of the virus.

"It began in the choir," Thom explained. "Somebody from the choir attended a community event and then went to choir practice that week."

More here-

https://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/post/idaho-churches-gear-resume-person-worship#stream/0

100 Faith Leaders Tell Governor To Not Rush To Open N.J.

From New Jersey-

Governor Phil Murphy,

Thank you for the amazing leadership you have demonstrated during the COVID-19 crisis in New Jersey. In all of your press conferences, you have shown great courage, provided us with clear information, and helped give us a glimpse of hope that New Jersey will rise as a powerful state. Thank you for celebrating our essential workers, highlighting people sacrificing to support our vulnerable populations, and for all the recognition of those who have lost their precious lives.

We also have a hard job to do during this challenging movement. We have taken the bold steps to keep our congregations closed to save the lives of the people we love. We are willing to continue to make sacrifices to keep our staff on payroll, provide for families with the right spiritual guidance, and continue to support our communities even if all our congregations are not in the best financial state. We are called by God to work and care for all God’s people and ensure their safety.

More here-

https://www.insidernj.com/100-faith-leaders-tell-governor-not-to-rush-to-open-new-jersey/

Denominational leaders denounce Reynolds' decision to allow religious gatherings

From Iowa-

One day after Governor Kim Reynolds announced some restrictions will be lifted on Friday in Iowa, including religious gatherings, a group of denominational leaders are denouncing that decision.

In a statement from 21 religious leaders in Iowa, the group stated its asking all congregations and members across the state to refrain from in-person gatherings.

They recommend continuing social distancing procedures already put in place.
The full statement is below:

As denominational leaders in the Christian tradition, we are united in our concern regarding Governor Kim Reynolds’ declaration to allow spiritual and religious gatherings in Iowa.

It was with surprise we learned of the Governor’s proclamation and, as such, we feel compelled to provide clarity and guidance of what it means for congregations to be faithful and safe during these extraordinary times.

More here-

https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/denominational-leaders-denounce-reynolds-decision-to-allow-religious-gatherings

Keeping Faith: Savannah churches adjust to hurdles through COVID-19 outbreak

From Georgia (with video)-

The red doors at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church have been closed for weeks, but the Rev. Guillermo Arboleda is adjusting to the new normal. 

“Extended through Easter, now we’re until further notice, we’re on hold," Arboleda said from his Midtown home. 

While churches aim to support local families and communities, that job is made even harder during a time when their resources are cut short. Like many others, Arboleda has switched his congregation's church services online through Facebook live streams.

“So I gather with my musicians, and we put on something that’s similar to a service with my iPhone and tripod I bought for $15 on Amazon," Arboleda said. 

More here-

https://www.wjcl.com/article/keeping-faith-savannah-churches-adjust-to-hurdles-through-covid-19-outbreak/32308873

Douglas J. Fisher and the Rev. Christopher Carlisle: We are all responsible for the Soldiers’ Home tragedy

From Western Mass-

The unfolding tragedy at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, where at least 62 veterans have died as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, is an equally tragic reminder of our failed responsibility as a nation to remember and care for the veterans who have so faithfully served us. 

What is occurring at the Soldiers’ Home is not simply an anomalous casualty of an unprecedented pandemic, but a symptom of a deeper chronic condition which has persisted for decades. Rather than simply pointing the finger at the state, or speculating about what those in charge at the facility could have done better, we are being called to look in the mirror and take responsibility ourselves.

We have neglected the needs of our American veterans who have given so much of their lives for us. Laying down one’s life for another is at the heart of the Christian tradition precisely because laying down one’s life for another is at the very heart of Christ. Perhaps this is why at Jesus’s crucifixion it was a soldier who was the first to recognize the divinity of Christ: “Truly this man was the son of God.” 

More here-

https://www.gazettenet.com/Guest-column-by-Bishop-Rt-Rev-Douglas-J-Fisher-34082326

New Jersey priest gives last rites to coronavirus patient through window

From New Jersey-

A New Jersey priest was unable to perform last rites on a coronavirus patient in person or over the phone, due to a bad connection — so he decided to administer the prayer through the window of the man’s nursing home room, according to a report.

“I was shaking as I was doing it. I didn’t expect to be. I knew that the sacrament was there whether or not I felt it,” the Rev. Michael Way of Christ Episcopal Church in Middletown told NJ.com.
“I didn’t expect to feel it as powerfully as I did,” he added.

Way, who wore a mask as he recited the sacrament, said he could hear the patient mouthing the words to the prayer as the priest held up his hand to the window on April 21.

The patient, his parishioner at Christ Episcopal, was moved to the nursing home in the fall and later contracted the disease. As of Saturday night, the man was still alive, the news outlet reported.

More here-

https://nypost.com/2020/04/27/nj-priest-gives-last-rites-to-coronavirus-patient-through-window/ 

and here-

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article242319876.html

North Texas Faith Leaders Opting Not to Hold in-Person Worship Services Yet

From Ft. Worth-

Mayor Betsy Price said Fort Worth officials still encourage places of worship to hold services remotely to help stop the spread of the virus. 

In a statement, Bishop Scott Mayer of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth said he has extended the suspension of in-person services through May. Faith leaders are exploring a "phased approach" to resuming those services, the diocese said. 

The parishes in the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth will also continue to have Mass without a congregation this weekend, according to a spokesman. 

At a news conference Thursday, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said he spoke with Islamic imams and other religious leaders who planned not to hold services this weekend. 

More here-

https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/coronavirus/north-texas-religious-leaders-opting-not-to-hold-in-person-worship-services-yet/2358332/

Switching to online church busted my theology and changed my experience of God

From Dallas-

When I was growing up in rural east Texas, my Baptist grandmother used to tell us we were going to the “church house” on Sunday mornings. “The people are the church; the building is just where we meet on Sundays,” she would explain. At the time it didn’t mean much to me, a seemingly pedantic point that flew over my seven-year-old head.

But today, as my work as communications director at Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration has been upended almost completely, this seems less stilted and more a pure and simple fact.

Last month, my job was transformed from a bulletin-printing, event-promoting, announcement-gathering rat race into one that takes place completely in the digital realm. Instead of in-office appointments and printed drafts to proof, my work is now captured completely in pixels on a screen, coordinated by Facebook messenger and email in equal parts.

More here-

https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2020/04/26/switching-to-online-church-busted-my-theology-and-changed-my-experience-of-god/