AU Social Distancing
Students and staff practice social distancing in order to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus as they wait to enter the dining hall at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe. The cafeteria has changed serving and seating arrangements, and meal times have been extended to three hours so those on campus do not all have to be served at the same time. (Photo by the Africa University office of Advancement and Public Affairs.)
Christians are commanded to care for those in prison, but the coronavirus pandemic stands in the way of in-person visits as Jesus instructed in Matthew 25:31-46. In the interim, a superb resource for information on what’s happening in America’s criminal justice system is The Marshall Project, a six-year-old independent non-profit online journal.
The April 6 issue details what’s happening inside America’s prisons with COVID-19 with links to multiple reports. Among the latest: hundreds of prisoners in crowded jails are infected, and two prison guards died of the coronavirus over the April 4-5 weekend. Churches looking for a mission project during coronavirus pandemic lockdowns would do well to look to local, county and state jails and prisons. For example, guards and other law enforcement officers are among those essential workers who are still on the job. Some of them lack the most basic personal protective gear such as gloves and masks to protect them against infection from prisoners and one another. Check with local prison and jail administration to see what might be needed and how to contribute.
The Marshall Project is one of the most reliable news sources in today’s media scape, and its links regularly lead to social issues beyond criminal justice that are of interest to churches. Already the journal, named for the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, has won top journalism honors including Edward R. Murrow, Peabody and Pulitzer awards. Subscribe on the TMP website.
Still skeptical about the pandemic? Read this
If you or members of your congregation are still skeptical about the seriousness of the coronavirus pandemic, read this article from the Duke Chronicle about student Zach Kaplan. A second-year law student at the United Methodist-related university in Durham, N.C., Mr. Kaplan spent his 27th birthday on March 17 getting tested for COVID-19 after a school trip to Alaska. He had already isolated himself upon experiencing fever, shortness of breath and other COVID-19 symptoms. Mr. Kaplan especially wants people in the 25-to-49 age bracket to know: he was infected even after practicing frequent handwashing and social distancing.
Chronicle writer Ben Leonard quotes Kaplan: “This virus is extremely easy to pick up (and therefore to spread) even while being careful, so we all have a role to play in staying diligent and cautious during these coming weeks. … However, we shouldn’t let our physical separateness get in the way of reaching out to our friends and family and supporting the folks who really deserve our support during this challenging time.”
For how it looks to folks across the pond when churches ignore social distancing and stay-at-home orders, read this article from The Guardian in the United Kingdom: The US churches and pastors ignoring 'stay-at-home' orders – The Guardian
Religion scholar on living with fear
Speaking of Duke, religion history scholar Kate Bowler of Duke Divinity School is featured in the New York Times for her daily reflections on living with fear during the coronavirus pandemic. Professor Bowler was diagnosed with incurable cancer in 2015 shortly after giving birth, and has written a book, “Everything Happens for a Reason (And Other Lies I’ve Loved)” and produced a podcast on her experience. Elizabeth Dias’ interview with Ms. Bowler is part of the Times’ free coronavirus coverage, so you don’t have to subscribe to read it.
Retired bishop contributes meditation
Retired United Methodist Bishop Joseph C. Sprague contributed the April 6 meditation for the daily devotions being distributed by the National Council of Churches during the coronavirus pandemic. Bishop Sprague bases his meditation on this verse from Jeremiah: “Take these deeds…and put them in an earthenware jar…that they may last for a long time. For thus says [the Holy One] ‘Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land’.” – Jeremiah 32:14-15 NRSV. Read the full devotion and sign up for the daily email.
Committed to ‘Faithful Distance’
In response to the clamor for religious exemptions to lockdowns and shelter-in-place orders, Auburn Seminary in New York City has launched an online project, “Faithful Distance.” Like the many United Methodist bishops who’ve suspended in-person gatherings, Auburn is calling for all religious leaders to “commit to supporting physical distancing. Cancel in-person gatherings until coronavirus disease (COVID-19) no longer threatens our communities, and find new ways for congregations, communities, and organizing hubs to gather, offer encouragement, and serve.” Sign on to the commitment.
Meanwhile, most United Methodist bishops in the United States have suspended Easter worship and in-person gatherings until at least April 30. Some, such as Bishop Mike McKee of the North Texas Conference, have suspended gatherings until May 20 in compliance with local regulations. Check with your pastor or annual conference for local restrictions.
Eveline Chikwanah of Zimbabwe reports for UM News on how students at United Methodist-related Africa University who are unable to return to their own countries are practicing social distancing during a three-week mandatory lockdown in the southern African nation. Africa U. moved to online classes on March 30, but some students were unable to return home because of finances or quarantines.
Community Conversation on COVID-19 Coping
Regular Insight contributor, the Rev. Jack Shitama, has started a biweekly Community Conversation via Zoom for non-anxious leaders to share how they’re coping with the coronavirus pandemic and its many challenges. The next meeting will be this Wednesday, April 8 at 1pm EDT. Click here to join Jack’s Non-Anxious Leader Network and RSVP for the event.
Media Mentions as of April 6, 2020
GI churches find unique way to celebrate Palm Sunday – KSNB Local 4
Fort Smith Church celebrates holy week – 5newsonline.com
The meaning of COVID-19: We can't all be right – Religion News Service
Hindered By A Pandemic, Religious Leaders Prepare For Holidays – OPB News
Column: Religion in the age of pandemic – Valley News
Coronavirus doesn't cancel religion in the San Fernando Valley, online meet-ups for April 4-11– LA Daily News
Coronavirus creates conflict for churches, where gatherings can be dangerous but also provide solace – The Washington Post *
New coronavirus limits bring new religious freedom tension – The Associated Press
COVID-19 pandemic will have lasting impact on how religious communities connect with members, faith leaders say – The Capital Times
Palm Sunday services held without public; some on rooftops – The Associated Press
Online services provide spiritual succor, but religious institutions face fiscal falloutCape Cod Times
Mandatory social distancing is not a threat to religious liberty. It’s essential for humanity – The Washington Post *
When churches say no to the government – Townhall
Stay-at-home church exceptions do religion a disservice – Orlando Sentinel *
COVID-19: The gap between the news media and people of faith – Religion Unplugged
We will need new ways to grieve – The New York Times *
* Paid subscription may be required.
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011. Send news of how you and your congregation are coping with the coronavirus pandemic.