Stone Rolled Away
The coronavirus pandemic is providing to be like the stone that blocked Jesus' tomb, and like the first disciples, we don't know when it will be rolled away. (UM Insight File Photo)
It’s now becoming clear that the public health crisis of COVID-19 will prevent some United Methodists from gathering together during Holy Week and Easter in the United States. This week, as several states extended social distancing and "shelter in place" orders because of sharply rising infection rates, the World Health Organization warned that the United States appears poised to become the global pandemic's next hotspot.
UPDATED: Add Alabama and Iowa to the list of states where gatherings of 10 or more people are prohibited past Easter.
North Alabama Conference Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett said district superintendents will be sent lists of alternative ways to celebrate Christianity's most important event, the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The bishop said she is proud of the way North Alabama United Methodists have responded to the COVID-19 crisis with creative online ways "to be witnesses for Christ."
Iowa Bishop Laurie Haller wrote March 27: "Despite the hope that President Trump shared yesterday that we would all be back in our pews on Easter, it is unlikely that social distance guidelines will be relaxed by that time. In addition, according to the Iowa State of Public Health Disaster Emergency that Governor Reynolds issued on March 22, gatherings of ten or more people are prohibited. The expiration for the State of Public Health Disaster Emergency is April 16, 2020, which is four days after Easter." Bishop Haller advised Iowa United Methodists to plan on holding Holy Week and Easter services online, and to plan "a triumphant Easter celebration at a future date when it is safe for communities of faith to gather in person."
In Michigan, Bishop David Bard shared "words of assurance, calm, and encouragement in regard to the new Michigan Executive Order, calling for all persons to stay home and stay safe until at least April 13th, the day following Easter Sunday," according to a media release. At the close of the six-minute video, Bishop Bard proclaims: “Whatever day we come back together, I will declare it to be Easter!”
In the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area, Bishop Elaine J. W. Stanovsky issued a suspension of in-person worship and other gatherings through April 30. The directive is in effect for United Methodist churches in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington and includes Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter. “It applies to both indoor and outdoor worship, weddings and funerals and to all days of the week,” the bishop said.
What's happening in your region about Holy Week and Easter worship? Send your news to United Methodist Insight.
Bishops to meet virtually
The Council of Bishops has announced that the May meeting of the Council will be a virtual meeting April 29-May 1, 2020. This meeting was scheduled to take place in Minneapolis, Minn., in advance of the 2020 General Conference. With travel bans keeping people grounded nearly everywhere, some bishops will have to get up or stay up into the wee hours to participate.
What about annual conference?
With General Conference now postponed until 2021, annual conferences are pondering where/when/how to hold their 2020 sessions, depending on the strength of the COVID-10 epidemic by the end of May. So far, Iowa Conference has told its churches and clergy to continue to prepare for the 2020 session, even if it is postponed or canceled.” As with General Conference, there are items that must be decided in 2020 if conferences are to continue to function. Chief among those items is the adoption of a new budget, but there are other matters that must be tended in the months to come.
Short takes from UM News
The following notes are taken directly from UM News' daily newsletter.
AU classes move online: Mutare, Zimbabwe — With the Zimbabwe government's order to close all colleges and universities amid the coronavirus pandemic, Africa University is moving its teaching, learning and related activities online to ensure that students' academic progress continues uninterrupted. The United Methodist university is also working with relevant embassies to assist students from outside Zimbabwe. A number of students are facing challenges in returning to their home countries due to travel restrictions and financial constraints. Read press release
Group postpones budget allocation work: CHICAGO — With the postponement of General Conference and the need to address a global pandemic, the Connectional Table — a United Methodist leadership body — has postponed doing new budget allocations for now. The Connectional Table is responsible for proposing allocations of the funds that support Africa University, United Methodist seminaries, the Black College Fund, ecumenical work and the work of most general agencies. Read statement
Caucus coalition denounces term 'Chinese virus': Pleasantville, N.J. — The five racial ethnic caucuses of The United Methodist Church denounced the use of the term “China or Chinese Virus,” for the COVID-19 virus. “The term is racially loaded and inaccurately depicts the global nature of the disease's threat and the misuse of terms in effect targets and scapegoats several ethnic groups,” the statement said. Read statement
The caucus statement comes a day after the General Commission on Religion and Race denounced President Trump's use of the term "Chinese virus," saying it's leading to race-based attacks against Chinese and Asian Americans.
Media Mentions as of 3-25-2020
Pope, world’s Christians join in prayer to end coronavirus – Reuters
States differ on exempting worship from coronavirus closures – The Associated Press
Should older Americans die to save the economy? Ethicists call it a false choice – Washington Post*
Some Christians Annoyed by Health Restrictions – Liberian Daily Observer
South Africa: Refugees in Cape Town Methodist Church Pray for Safety From Coronavirus – AllAfrica.com
Togetherness will get us through the coronavirus pandemic – LGBTQ Nation
How you can help during the coronavirus outbreak – Washington Post*
What do we learn from this place where we don't want to be? – National Catholic Reporter
Two years before COVID-19, a Duke professor warned to prepare for such a pandemic – Duke Chronicle
All churches are closed, all weddings are off – Church Times (UK Anglican)
Chaplains doing what they always do, only more so – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Sonoma churches grapple with creating virtual congregations – Sonoma Index-Tribune
How to survive a pandemic, spiritually and charitably – Religion News Service
The Way I See It: Religion and science need each other, now more than ever – Rice University
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.