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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 14: A driver pauses as city employees fill-up cars with take-away meals to be delivered to the elderly and those that can not leave their housing due to the coronavirus at a community center in Brooklyn on April 14, 2020 in New York City, United States. The National Guard joined other New York City city agencies in loading up taxi's, Uber's, Lyft's and other 'for hire' vehicles which have joined the effort in delivering meals across the city. New York has been the hardest hit city in the nation from the COVID-19 outbreak. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
The world is entering a phase in the coronavirus pandemic that a New York Times writer terms “trial and error” – re-opening some regions that seem to have a lesser incidence of infection.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has announced a phased re-opening of the state, so Bishop Peggy Johnson and the Eastern Pennsylvaniia Conference Cabinet will explain the Reopening Guidelines for Churches in a Zoom webinar Tuesday, May 12, at 6:30 PM, reports the conference newsletter NewSpirit.
However, the United States as a whole hasn’t met the benchmarks set by epidemiologists for re-opening. Reports David Leonhardt in the Times’ daily briefing: “The U.S. is testing fewer people per capita than other countries, and the outbreak is still growing in many states that are starting to reopen.”
Many church leaders, pastors and individuals across the United Methodist connection have made it clear they don’t intend to go back to church – or to work or shopping – just yet. Again according to the Times, Alaska, Georgia, Oklahoma and South Carolina showed few small businesses reopened.
The best counsel for now is: Keep in touch with your pastor and conference leaders and follow your conscience.
News on annual conference sessions
From Michigan Annual Conference: “In consultation with Michigan Conference leaders and public health experts, Bishop David Bard today announced that Annual Conference will be held online Sunday, July 26, through July 29, 2020. Bishop Bard has asked that the Commission on the Annual Conference Session design the event in a manner that assures those with varying access to technology be able to participate as fully as possible, given these extraordinary circumstances. … Planning and safety protocols are still being developed. Those being Commissioned and Ordained will be able to be present in-person with Bishop David Bard for the laying of hands.” The conference theme is “Sowing Seeds: Rooting, Tending, Reaping.”
From Rio Texas Annual Conference: “Given the ongoing risk of gathering in large numbers due to COVID-19, we have decided to postpone the 2020 session of the Rio Texas Annual Conference, scheduled for June 10-13 in Corpus Christi. Although some gatherings may be allowed legally by that time, we do not consider it wise or responsible to proceed with planning an event of the size and scope of our conference session. This decision was made by Bishop (Robert Schnase) and the Secretary of Annual Conference, in consultation with the Uniting Table, the Annual Conference Design Team, and the Cabinet.”
Various business sessions will be held by online conferences, according to the announcement. A one-day, in-person session has been scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3, in San Antonio. At this event, the conference will act on the 2021 budget, as well as celebrate retirements, memorials, and ordination. Clergy appointments will be effective July 1, 2020 as previously set.
Media Mentions as of May 8, 2020
White House tells CDC to butt out of religion – Religion News Service
When your church reopens, here’s how to meet safely – Christianity Today *
How a part-time pastor can keep a financially strapped church alive – Religion News Service
How churches can reframe social justice now and after COVID-19 – Religion News Service
The future of Christianity is punk – The New York Times *
White House blocks C.D.C. guidance over economic and religious concerns – The New York Times *
Virginia defends coronavirus restrictions in church lawsuit – The Associated Press
Lawsuit by group of churches, businesses challenges Minnesota’s partial shutdown, saying it picks ‘winners and losers’ – Star Tribune *
Ten Oregon churches sue governor, want to worship without restrictions amid coronavirus pandemic – The Oregonian *
As pandemic persists, churches and insurance companies grapple with risk – Religion News Service
German churches stopped singing to prevent virus’s spread. Should Americans clam up, too? – The Washington Post *
*Paid subscription may be required.
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.