Guidance for Churches Entering Phase II
Updated November 12, 2020
Due to the increased number of positive COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania, ALL INDOOR GATHERINGS ARE SUSPENDED EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 22. This is to ensure the health and safety of our people. Watch the Bishop’s message.
“I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9
This document was developed with consultation and input from the wider Episcopal Church; the CDC, as well as local medical experts; other Episcopal Dioceses; other Denominations; and in consultation with the Diocesan Council and the Standing Committee.
Gathering together in-person as a worship community is a vital part of our faith lives. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it also carries great risks. Being in enclosed spaces with a large group of people; singing, talking, and sharing hugs and handshakes; consuming food and drink while in contact with others; touching common surfaces such as door handles and prayer books; these are all examples of high-risk circumstances and behaviors that we must develop plans to guard against so that we can gather together as safely as possible.
The gradual reopening of our congregations will depend on whether church leaders feel that they are ready and have strong protocols in place for ensuring the well-being and safety of all parishioners. This document provides best practices as well as questions to help guide your planning process.
The following are best practices to keep your community, especially the most vulnerable, safe and healthy while gathering in-person. Keep in mind that these best practices also apply to outside organizations that use your church property.
- Holding services virtually is the safest option for every parish at this time, and is highly recommended.
- The Eucharist is strongly discouraged at this time. Increasingly, the advice of health experts points to concern over whether the Eucharist can be celebrated safely. Consuming the Eucharist requires lowering/touching masks, which can lead to spreading or being exposed to the virus. Morning or Evening prayer is recommended. If your parish chooses to celebrate the Eucharist, click here to view the necessary protocols.
- Congregational or choir singing is strongly discouraged at this time. Evidence shows that singing is more likely to spread the virus than speaking. A Cantor/Soloist may be considered if they are wearing a facial covering at all times, with additional physical distancing in place. Instrumental music is recommended.
- Experts now agree that outdoor gatherings are safer than indoor gatherings at this time—it can allow for more space for physical distancing, and avoids the issue of breathing recirculated air which can increase the risk of catching the virus. Due to the increased number of positive COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania, indoor worship must be suspended in all parishes effective November 22. This is to ensure the health and safety of our people. Parishes that wish to hold outdoor services should adhere to the following protocols.
- Maintain a log of who attends each in-person gathering for the purpose of contact tracing
- Ensure proper distancing–All in attendance must maintain 6 feet distance from other people at all times. Members of a household may sit together, but must maintain 6 feet distance from others.
- All in attendance must wear masks at all times(teach proper protocols—See CDC guidelines). A supply of masks should be available to hand out if needed.
- Designated individuals (e.g. ushers, etc.) should be identified and trained to help ensure parishioners and visitors adhere to all parish protocols during in-person gatherings.
- Proper cleaning and sanitizing protocol should be followed (See CDC guidelines). Sanitizer and disinfecting wipes must be available for use. Churches should consider the extra costs associated with these measures.
- Books of Common Prayer and hymnals can act as vectors to spread the virus—they should be removed and alternative options such as single-use bulletins or screens must be used. Consider asking those planning on attending a service to bring their own BCPs
- On-line worship offerings should be instituted or continued.
We recommend your church leadership consider the following questions as you create your plan to hold in-person worship safely:
- How will you prepare your facility and your congregation for reopening?
- Where will you meet?
- Who will help reinforce your guidelines when you gather?
- How will you communicate your policies to your parishioners and potential visitors prior to and throughout the process of reopening?
- What alternatives will you provide for parishioners who cannot or choose not to attend in person?
- How will you keep your facilities clean and encourage appropriate hygiene practices?
- How will you manage the numbers in attendance so that physical distance can be maintained?
- How will you assist congregants to maintain physical distancing and in other ways reduce the risk of spreading the virus?
- How will you continue to accept pledges? (Plates should not be passed at this time).
- How will you apply your policies to parish activities other than public worship and to outside groups that use your property?
For parishes which have not yet met with the bishop—Once your leadership has developed a plan for re-gathering , please contact Sandy Milien to schedule a meeting to consult with Bishop Kevin.