May 28, 2021- Updated Diocesan Guidelines

New Guidelines Allow Reopening at Local Discretion

This post features highlights from a new report issued by the Diocese Reentering, Reopening, and Reimagining (RRR) Task Force, allowing in-person worship without prior approval from Bishop Stokes.

Read the entire report online      (español)
Download the report.    (español)

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  --John 13:34-35
 
As vaccination rates and availability rise, and public health guidance and federal, state, and local mandates are reduced, we as the gathered Body of Christ are able to eliminate many of the limits on gathering that we have diligently followed for many months.

What does not change, and cannot change, is our primary commitment to love one another as Jesus has loved us. That commitment must grow even more active on the part of congregations and individuals, and must adapt to the unique situation of each congregation, as guidance from diocesan and state leadership changes in response to the evolving science and facts around us.

This new report from the Reentering, Reopening, and Reimagining (RRR) Task Force is meant to help congregations, their leaders, and members care for one another and consider how we gather joyfully and appropriately in this transitional time of a global pandemic.
 
Required Precautions for Gathering

• Any individual who is not fully vaccinated (two weeks or more after the final recommended dose in their vaccine series) must wear a mask at any gathering of the congregation or on church property, whether indoors or outside. 

• Those who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear masks, indoors or out.
  • Any individual may choose to wear a mask at any time, and should not be questioned about their reasons for doing so. Many may choose to continue to mask at church gatherings out of care for others who are not vaccinated.
  • Congregations should make the applicable requirements for masking clear for all visitors, worshippers, members and guests.
  • The congregation is not required to verify the vaccination status of anyone entering the church property or worshipping with the congregation, except for limited ministries described below.

• The congregation must verify and record the fully-vaccinated status of choir members (whose ministry requires them to project their breath further and more forcefully than most worshippers), lectors or readers, and any liturgical leaders whose ministry requires speaking to the congregation.
  • If the fully-vaccinated status of a choir member or liturgical leader cannot be verified, that individual must remain masked and at least six feet distant from anyone not in their household or immunological bubble, 10 feet while speaking and 15 feet singing.

• Communion shall continue to be offered in one kind only. The common cup is not yet authorized in this diocese.

• The congregation must make clear what parameters will apply to worship and gatherings so that individuals may make an informed choice about whether it is safe and appropriate for them to attend or participate in person.

• Worship materials, such as Prayer Books and Hymnals, may be returned to the pews and used as needed.
• Masking and distancing is still required for any children’s activities.
  • In Sunday school classes and activities for children under 16 (until July 10, and for children under 12 until two months after an approved vaccine for that age group is authorized), all children and adults must be masked. Adults are to maintain a six-foot or greater distance from children not in their household, and children are to maintain a three-foot or greater distance from one another.
  • Congregations and their tenants must continue to follow state and local guidance governing summer camps, schools, and pre-schools.