Trump in mask
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. President Donald Trump leaves the White House for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on the South Lawn of the White House on Oct. 2, 2020 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have both tested positive for coronavirus, as have several of his staff and supporters. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
A United Methodist Insight Column
One of the news sources I consult regularly is a newsletter and website with a name that some Christians will find vulgar: WTF Just Happened Today? (yes, that “F” stands for the “F-word” frequently used by persons under age 35). Over the past four years WTF Just Happened Today? has become one of the best news compilations tracking our crazy world. Founded by an enterprising journalist named Matt Kiser, it has documented the comings and goings of the administration of President Donald J. Trump since his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2017.
Though obviously not intended for a religious audience, Matt’s work nonetheless has helped me gain context and perspective on a range of “incidents and accidents, hints and allegations,” to use Paul Simon’s lyrics from “Call Me Al.” Perceptive readers will find his adept compilations and commentaries often shed light on why people of faith should get out of their stained-glass houses and into the world that’s hurting and needs all kinds of compassionate care.
On Oct. 5, we hit the motherload of “whys” with Matt’s coverage of the crisis surrounding President Trump’s COVID-19 infection. In particular, his notes have made it clear once again why pastors and lay leaders must remain vigilant and cautious about re-opening in-person worship services. The Trump Administration’s refusal to follow CDC public health guidelines – face coverings, physical distancing, sanitizing – show how large, close gatherings can spread coronavirus.
Here are some of Mark’s most pertinent notes in quotes, accompanied by my observations on their implications for church gatherings. My comments are in italics for easier reading.
“The White House identified at least 206 people who may have been exposed to the coronavirus at Trump’s fundraiser at Bedminster last week. (Axios).” If churches hold any in-person fundraisers such as Pumpkin Patches during this fall season, they had better be made as COVID-safe as possible. Otherwise there will be a lot of sick people around town who might trace their infection back to interaction at the church or with its members. Worst-case scenario, the most vulnerable may die from exposure to coronavirus.
“At least 11 coronavirus cases can be traced to last week’s presidential debate in Cleveland. The city specifically said positive tests were traced to people involved in organizing the debate. (NBC News).” What if a church’s worship team were careless in their COVID precautions or simply just missed a step preparing for in-person worship? Again, can a congregation risk infection this way?
“Little evidence that the White House offered contact tracing or guidance to the hundreds of people potentially exposed. (Washington Post).” This is just plain selfish and stupid and if your church fails to follow through in case of infection, then shame on you!
“The CDC updated its guidance about how COVID-19 spreads, confirming that the coronavirus is airborne and may infect people who are more than six feet apart, especially indoors with poor ventilation.” Two weeks ago, the agency updated its guidance to say COVID-19 could spread through the air, but then abruptly reverted to its previous guidance. The new guidance now says the ‘CDC continues to believe, based on current science, that people are more likely to become infected the longer and closer they are to a person with COVID-19’ and that the virus can “sometimes be spread by airborne transmission” and can be spread by both droplets and aerosols released when people 'cough, sneeze, sing, talk, or breathe.'” (New York Times / CNN / Washington Post / Politico / ABC News)” Have you ever been to a worship service where people didn’t “cough, sneeze, sing, talk, or breathe”? No, neither have I.
Once again, we run the numbers, thanks to Matt:
Dept. of “We Have It Totally Under Control.”
Global: Total confirmed cases: ~35,331,000; deaths: ~1,039,000
U.S.: Total confirmed cases: ~7,446,000; deaths: ~211,000
Source: Johns Hopkins University
Friends, I beg you, don’t ignore these facts that Matt Kiser and others have worked so hard to bring to our attention. More than 211,000 Americans have died by now from COVID-19. Many of the nearly 7.5 million U.S. cases are still recovering weeks and months after infection. As United Methodist leaders have said all along, when it comes to coping with the coronavirus pandemic, remember John Wesley’s first rule: Do No Harm.
Media Mentions as of Oct. 5, 2020
Amid pandemic challenges, houses of worship show resiliency – The Associated Press
Some local churches struggle through COVID-19 – Wilkes-Barre Citizens Voice
Justice Department sides with D.C. Baptist church lawsuit challenging COVID restrictions – Politico
Fearing second wave, NYC will adopt restrictions in hard-hit areas – The New York Times*
Christians call for prayer after Trump tests positive for COVID-19 – Christianity Today*
Notre Dame president has virus. Senator leaves Atlanta faith conference to quarantine – Religion News Service
Pope Francis’s new encyclical is a papal warning about a world going backward – The Washington Post*
Pope Francis’ new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, enshrines familiar criticisms of racism and borders – Religion News Service
Kamala Harris: Faith values bind us together. Joe Biden will restore them in our public life – Deseret News
The pope’s unexpected election message – The Washington Post*
Pope Francis closes the door on the death penalty in ‘Fratelli Tutti’ – America
Trump in the belly of the whale – Religion News Service
How to show compassion for a president who lacks it himself – Religion News Service
*Paid subscription required.
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.