The United Church of Canada has released its emergency plan to help faith communities surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Church says with overwhelming statistics outlining confirmed cases and deaths from COVID-19, it’s easy to disassociate the numbers with the people and communities involved.
The United Church says it seeks out a compassionate response that acknowledges the people attached to each statistic.
They mourn with those who have lost loved ones and livelihoods through the growing economic impact. They also acknowledge those who have lost their sense of community through self-isolation and limited travel, and those who have lost a sense of security through fear of contamination.
Looking for information or advice on how your community of faith can continue to celebrate Communion during the #COVID19 outbreak? See our Emergency Plan fact-sheet, under 'Downloads': https://t.co/iCmaGuLZ7j#UCCan #Coronavirus
[Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash] pic.twitter.com/YuVbjh8s75
— United Church Canada (@UnitedChurchCda) March 14, 2020
The United Church hopes that the most vulnerable in society will be able to rely on communities of faith to do what they can to prevent the spread of illness and fears associated with it, but they also want to ensure that people are able to seek comfort in places of worship.
Alternative programming, like online worship or Bible study, can be provided.
They are encourage faith communities to repudiate and dispel all comments about COVID-19 that are prejudiced or racist or that attach the illness to a race or ethnicity.
You can read the church’s statement on the situation here.
Archbishop of Roman Catholic Church Believes Church Attendance Will Rise During Outbreak
The Archbishop expects a spike in attendance at Roman Catholic Mass services due to the increased concerns over COVID-19.
Archbishop Peter Hundt says the church will stop distributing communion from the chalice and stop encouraging the handshake as a sign of peace during services.
He says he realizes that some people do need to stay home away from large crowds but there are others that are going because of their concerns with the virus and they feel safe at church.
Hundt says that the Archdiocese is keeping a close eye on the situation and they will take action if needed.
