Dear Friends,
I know many of you are waiting on a word from me regarding the effect of COVID-19 on our services of public worship. Thank you for your patience — it’s been an incredibly busy and challenging day. Last week our governor ordered new restrictions that went into effect today.
As I reported at our clergy meeting on Thursday, most of my time over the last 10 days has been devoted to Gray Center. Yesterday and today, however, I found time to research, discuss, and discern the escalating COVID situation in our state. In addition to normal channels of information, I consulted with professionals in medicine and epidemiology. I was struck by the seriousness of our situation. What also struck me was the intense concern shared by these doctors and scientists for our people, and the important place of the Church in their lives.
In keeping with the Governor’s Executive Order, please note the following directive: all Parishes and Missions shall restrict worshiping bodies to no more than 10 people indoors and 20 people out of doors. In addition, the 13 counties listed as “hot spots” by the governor and MSDH are encouraged to assess their local situation in determining if it be in the best interest of the congregation to suspend in person services for a certain time. Lastly, it remains mandatory for clergy and people to wear masks at all times during in-person worship and in-person gatherings on church property.
During our clergy meeting last Thursday, I shared how my time and thoughts were wrapped up in the many issues around the suspension of programs at Gray Center. The complexity of this situation was incredibly time consuming and emotional. I am grateful for the significant number of you who assessed your local situations and made the difficult decision either to suspend in-person worship or to move toward more limited in person worship. Know that you have my support as you move forward in your local ministry setting.
I know this direction will be difficult for some of you. This remains for me, and I suspect many of you, the most challenging time in my ordained ministry. We will get through this and I’m glad were doing it together.
Peace be with you,
+Brian
The Rt. Rev. Brian R. Seage
Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi
