March 12 2020
Beloved,
We are paying careful attention to the realities presented to our country by the spread of COVID-19. Yesterday, Governor Beshear asked that churches cancel their worship services this weekend as part of his larger recommendations to attempt to slow the spread of this virus. During a conference call with the Governor and members his COVID-19 task force, he shared with faith leaders how convinced public health experts are that reducing social contact is imperative to delay a sudden spike in cases of the virus and to allow the health system the time to begin treating those who have become sick.
I am grateful that so many of our clergy were able to be in conversation together yesterday with Canons Amy & Jason. After reflecting on what I learned from your conversation, much prayer, and in consultation with Bishop Van Koevering of the Diocese of Lexington, I am strongly recommending that congregations in our diocese suspend public worship and other gatherings for the next two weeks.
Responding to the reality of the Coronavirus in our communities is a profoundly pastoral matter which requires the flexibility Episcopalians are known for when we are at our best. Different situations and contexts may call for different responses. I join Bishop Van Koevering
in humbly inviting you to practice a Lenten fast from public worship, meetings, and social gatherings as an act of love toward your neighbor, especially those who are most vulnerable to the risk factors of this virus. We will monitor the situation and keep you informed as we learn more along with all of you.
I ask each of you to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the excellent public health resources being shared by the governor's office
here,
and the CDC
here.
Please know when to seek care. Please understand who is at risk. Please understand the steps to prevent illness.
If you decide to hold services and other gatherings, please see the guidelines attached to this letter. I have also attached a letter from the Presiding Bishop and another from the Kentucky Council of Churches. Please review them. We will share additional resources in a separate communication.
Please take appropriate precautions in all of your operations and ministries by adapting the CDC's guidelines for businesses for your use.
While in one sense it feels as if much has changed so quickly, in a greater sense, nothing has changed. Our call as baptized people remains the same: to seek and serve Christ in all people, to love our neighbors as ourselves. The crucified and risen Lord is with us. The Holy Spirit is leading us into new expressions of walking the Way of Love. We will support each other in the weeks and months ahead, and together, rely on God's unfailing and ever-present love to guide and strengthen us.
Faifhfully,
