Response to Covid-19
Published by ☕,
Bishop Sutton's Letter
Dear Bishops, Clergy, Wardens, Vestries and All Laity,
"Do not be afraid" (Luke 1:30)
"Fear not" is the most repeated command in the Bible; 365 times! Jesus Christ told His disciples on many occasions, "Do not be afraid" (Luke 1:30; Matthew 28:5, 10). The only One whom we are to fear is God Himself. And even when the Bible uses the word fear in reference to God, it means "respect." The Lord simply doesn’t want His people to be overcome with, and to act out of fear. When we are driven by fear, we stop trusting the Lord. We usually don’t make our best decisions.
Nevertheless, we must face into our fears when they arise, with faith in God, sound wisdom, and responsible action. For these reasons I am writing to you as the news coverage on the global COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak has raised many fears, concerns, and questions. Archbishop Foley Beach has written an excellent communication to all the Bishops of the ACNA (See below on this page). He has encouraged all our bishops to write to their dioceses and congregations. I believe this is godly, timely and important direction.
We have faced flu epidemics before. Influenza still takes thousands of lives each year. Hopefully, we can get ahead of the curve with the COVID-19. So, I offer the following counsel, as you consider how to respond with extra prayer and precaution in caring for those in need, in meeting together, in worshipping, and especially in administering Holy Communion.
FIRST, please pray for those afflicted around the world, for God to guide government and medical leaders in caring for the sick, and for the speedy development of new vaccines.
SECOND, please be informed. I recommend periodically checking the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at https://www.cdc.gov/.
THIRD, please be prepared since we are a sacramental church where most of our congregations regularly receive Holy Communion. Even though scientific studies have confirmed there is very little risk of transmitting a disease through the Common cup (using wine), the current situation with COVID-19 calls for extra care and precaution in administering and receiving Holy Communion. I therefore strongly suggest the following for your prayerful consideration, while not mandating the way of receiving the Sacrament:
b) As for reception of the Blessed Sacrament, I encourage our clergy and congregations to consider alternate methods of receiving Holy Communion until we’re past the COVID-19 crisis. The decision is left to each parish to work out how the Lord is leading at this time. I offer the following summary and suggestions for your prayerful discernment.
- Some of us use another method known as intinction. With reception by intinction one does not actually drink from the chalice. The host is dipped by the minister/chalice bearer or the recipient into the chalice and administered/received. However, for your information intinction as it’s normally practiced has even greater potential of spreading germs. The two most common ways of intinction are the following: 1) the recipient receives the host, holds it until the chalice passes by, and dips it in the chalice; 2) the recipient holds the host until the chalice bearer takes it, dips it in the chalice; and then places the wafer in the hand or mouth of the recipient. There is a third way: 3) the minister and chalice bearer walk side by side to distribute, as the host is dipped in the chalice by the clergyman and placed on the hand or in the mouth of the recipient. If a parish wants to administer by intinction, I strongly recommend the third way. The first two methods allow for multiple contact between the recipient’s hand/fingers and the chalice, and actually contribute more to the spread of germs. The third method greatly reduces such contact, as only the minister is actually dipping the host into the chalice before distributing. Of course, this approach would probably require moving to this practice exclusively.
-Some of our congregations make available the individual cups. It is often thought that this method better prevents the spread of germs. It actually does not. Germs are spread more through the hands. Administration by individual cups involves contact with the hands of those who prepare the communion, those administering, those receiving, and those cleaning up the cups afterwards. If a parish wants to continue to make available the individual cups, please consider how contact by multiple hands touching the cups can be minimized and better sanitized.
- Having mentioned the above approaches of receiving Holy Communion, no doubt the safest way at times of heightened spread of infectious disease is to receive only the host (The Bread). There is an old understanding in the Church, "To receive in one kind is to receive in both kinds." That is, theologically speaking we are given to understand the Sacrament of Holy Communion remains a means of grace if received only in one kind. Either element alone conveys what Christ says of the Lord’s Supper, when He says, "This is My Body; This is My Blood." Clearly the preferred pattern is to receive in both kinds, but the fact is that throughout the history of Christianity some believers have only been able to receive in one kind for physical, personal or medical reasons. Therefore, please know that you have my strong support and permission should Reformed Episcopalians and their congregations choose to receive only the host, until we get past this time of concern over the Coronavirus.
FIFTH, with reference to pastoral visitations, the clergy should follow all infection control measures in place at hospitals. If it is not possible to visit someone with the COVID-19 Virus, call and pray with folks on the phone. It’s possible to stay in contact and convey Christ’s love and support.
SIXTH, it is important if at all possible, for all of us as Christians to continue to go to church, to worship, to receive Holy Communion, to pray, and to continue our life together. At the same time, I realize that civil and local authorities may have to put their communities in lock down prohibiting worship and church attendance for limited periods. As Christians we should honor these decisions from those in authority over us. Remember though, these times will pass. We should return to our churches for worship after restrictions are lifted. Until such times would be imposed by the civil authorities, however, it is important for the people of God to continue worship and prayer especially at this time. God is the Great Healer. The world needs His healing more than ever! He can and will heal the nations of the world as they turn to Jesus Christ. Let’s remember what an important moment the coming months will be for the spread of the Gospel.
In conclusion, we will monitor developments and pass on to you some helpful resources and information as they are needed and become available. Pastorally though, I pray that you not allow this new virus to make you live in fear. Still, however, we are called to use sound judgment. To this end, I have attempted to share some thoughts that, hopefully, will help all of us. I pray for God’s guidance for you and His continued blessing upon our congregations. I commend the following prayer from the Book of Common Prayer for use in your worship services:
The Most Rev. Dr. Ray R. Sutton, Ph.D.
Presiding Bishop
View in pdf
Archbishop Beach's Letter
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The global spread of COVID-19, the coronavirus, has become a focus of attention and concern for many of us. Many bishops, diocesan leaders, and experts in the field of medicine have consulted with the Province since this disease was first reported.
Drawing on their deep wisdom, I offer these points, which speak to both the physical and spiritual concerns that naturally occur at a time like this:
1. Trust God.
In the midst of uncertainty, we trust God. He is sovereign over human history and over our lives. He is the Lord, "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). And he is loving and merciful. Psalm 100:5 assures us, "For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations."
We witness to our Christian faith when we resist panic, knowing that our times are in the Lord’s hand (Psalm 31:15). No one can snatch us out of the Father’s hand (John 10:28-29). And so, "for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).
The Book of Common Prayer offers on page 269 a list of suggested Psalms on many helpful themes, including God’s sovereignty, providence and mercy, trust in God, and living faithfully in times of trouble. If reading from the Psalms is not a part of your daily prayers, try turning to one of these psalms each day to keep your heart focused on the Lord and his presence and care.
2. Be informed.
There is much on the internet from unhelpful extreme perspectives that encourage either panic or complacency. Neither is appropriate. Pay attention to health advisories from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and your state and local governments.
The CDC website provides a wealth of information about the disease and appropriate steps for individuals, churches, schools, and businesses to take.
You may wish to subscribe to the CDC’s COVID-19 newsletter to get regular updates. Go to their newsletter subscription page and choose the newsletter entitled, "Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)."
Avail yourself of your own state’s Department of Health website for the most up-to-date information, treatment, and infection control measures for your particular region of the country.
3. Be prudent.
Wash your hands! Wash them frequently and thoroughly, for a minimum of 20 seconds using soap and warm water. There is no substitute for this. While alcohol-based hand sanitizers can kill bacteria, they have not been shown to be adequate against COVID-19 or other viruses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently warned Purell’s manufacturer to cease advertising it as an effective agent against viruses. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
For cleaning surfaces, such as doorknobs, countertops, etc., the CDC and our experts recommend using bleach (1 part bleach to 100 parts water).
If you have symptoms of a cough, disease, or a fever within the last 24 hours, please stay at home. Infectious disease specialists in the Anglican Church in North America have emphasized how vitally important this is, though COVID-19 can also be spread by people who have not developed symptoms of illness.
If you are returning from known areas of higher prevalence of COVID-19, we encourage you not to attend church for two weeks. The list of affected areas and the period of self-quarantine will likely change in the weeks ahead.
Prudence and care, especially for those who are susceptible to this and other viral illness, will require extraordinary leadership in the weeks to come. The diocesan bishops of the Anglican Church in North America will be developing plans and guidance to be used in their own dioceses. You may be receiving guidance from your bishop about any temporary changes that may be warranted in your church’s worship during this crisis. These are godly men that work carefully with the clergy and experts under their care to find the most appropriate course of action for the parishes under their watch. Knowing that sometimes difficult decisions may have to be made, I ask you to pray daily for the men and women involved in these diocesan processes and to carefully listen and follow their direction.
4. Act in love.
Reach out to your neighbors, particularly the elderly and those who are vulnerable or alone.
Let us pray:
Almighty God, our strong tower of defense in time of trouble: We offer you praise and heartfelt thanks for our deliverance from the dangers which lately surrounded us and for your gracious gift of peace. We confess that your goodness alone has preserved us; and we ask you still to continue your mercies toward us, that we may always know and acknowledge you as our Savior and mighty Deliverer; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Most Rev. Dr. Foley Beach
Archbishop and Primate, Anglican Church in North America