The Diocese of Massachusetts has sent out the following announcement reiterating the continuation of no in-person public worship or gatherings in our churches until July 1, 2020:
May 18, 2020
Today the bishops of both Massachusetts Episcopal dioceses are issuing a document entitled “A Journey By Stages: Gathering, Serving and Growing as The Episcopal Church in Massachusetts During and Beyond a Time of Pandemic” [posted online here]. The document is a compilation of directives, guidelines and resources, prepared in consultation with the Diocese of Western Massachusetts, to assist Episcopal congregations and related organizations in Massachusetts traveling the path beyond restrictions toward a “new normal” for common life.
This morning Governor Charlie Baker announced a phased roadmap for reopening Massachusetts amid the coronavirus pandemic. Under Governor Baker’s plan, places of worship may resume many activities, with significant restrictions, as early as today. While our churches and organizations are expected to observe the minimum safety standards imposed by civil officials, we must also stay attuned to the counsel of public health authorities to guide the timing and the protocols we follow.
Following the governor’s announcement this morning, the Boston Globe reported that several epidemiologists have said that “a second wave of infection is possible, likely even. They noted that a return to church and worship services could be especially problematic.” It is reported that several large outbreaks in other states have originated in churches.
Last week, the bishops of both Massachusetts Episcopal dioceses announced an extension until July 1, 2020, of the directive for no in-person public worship or gatherings in churches. That direction remains in effect and will continue until express permission is given for regathering. All will need time for the planning and complex preparations that are required to gather safely.
The “A Journey By Stages” document does not contain a timeline because the trajectory of the coronavirus is not known. The stages described in the document are not linear, since a resurgence of COVID-19 infections may necessitate a return to more restrictive practices at some point. Certain counties and municipalities may be at different stages depending on the severity of infections in their area. As “A Journey By Stages” states, in each community and congregation, Episcopalians “must consider how we protect one another and our neighbors, carry out the mission entrusted to us and offer our prayers and praises to God.”
The practices and resources in “A Journey By Stages” are offered to the Church, as that “wonderful and sacred mystery,” trusting that in these painful and challenging days, God is at work among us “that things which had grown old are being made new.”
Tracy J. Sukraw
Director of Communications
Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts
138 Tremont Street, Boston MA 02111
617-482-4826, ext. 493
www.diomass.org