A Statement of Compassion and Care Concerning the Coronavirus Outbreak      March 6, 2020 

Our Faithful Approach

    The emergence and spread of the respiratory disease, coronavirus, or COVID-19 as designated by the World Health Organization, has faith leaders wondering about their role and response. At such times, we are reminded of how interconnected our global world can be and how important it is to approach one another with an ethic of compassion and care.

    We sometimes focus on the numbers and the maps, yet we are reminded that each reported case of the virus has behind it a person, a family, a community. We are connected globally and our compassion and care reaches out to the full human community. The church is called to be in prayer for those affected, those caring for the affected, for those valiantly trying to diagnose and treat patients, and for the development of strong partnerships across international communities in order to effectively prevent, detect and respond to this virus. As members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), we offer our prayers for healing and support for all affected.

    “As a church body, we need to pray. Pray for those infected by the coronavirus in China and around the world, for those who care for them, for health specialists and authorities who are combatting the spread of infection, and of course for all who at this time are feeling anxious,” offers Linda Manns, a Parish Nurse at Louden Avenue Christian Church in Roanoke, Virginia.

    We offer continued thanks for the medical professionals, concerned citizens, and governmental and non-governmental entities across the world that are actively advocating for an effective and appropriate response.

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Informed and Thoughtful Response

    It is important during such a dynamic global event, that we, as the church, also take the time for an informed and thoughtful response. The need for urgency can be fertile ground for fearful reactions. As we try to go about our daily routines, we may even begin to see others through a lens of skepticism, judgment, and fear. In global health crises such as this, we must be attentive not to place blame on particular individuals or communities. We know too well in the histories of the U.S. and global communities how discrimination and isolation develops towards others or those deemed as “other” (e.g. immigrants, the economically poor, targets of religious prejudice, and religious minorities, to name only a few). We encourage faithful response that is informed by medical and mental health professionals and reflective of our theological identities that we care for all.

    One antidote to fear can be information and planning. We encourage the sharing of guidelines for preventing the spread of the virus. Please share prevention strategies with your congregations and communities. While it is tempting to rely on social media outlets for the most up to date information, please be aware of the amount of misinformation that is also shared through these same outlets. In other words, do the research with accredited professional organizations as listed in the resources section below.

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Compassionate Coordination and Planning

     Additionally, you may be concerned about church events, including your regular worship and the rituals involved in church life. Once you are well prepared with information about preventative measures, make a response plan for your congregation or organization. One starting point is to gather leadership and craft a plan that works for your community. It is important that you assess the risks with all available information, make thoughtful proactive decisions, and communicate those decisions as widely as possible. Some elements that go into a response plan may include: 

• Assessment: For example, consider how you manage regular tasks such as serving communion, nursery care, and other congregational life events and make determinations on what to change based upon recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).  

• Decision Making: Clarify within the community which individuals will make the decisions about the preventive measures to be used in worship, at events, and in the broad life of the church. Is this the pastor? The pastor and elders? The Board of Trustees? Be clear about that line of decision making and communicate to the broader congregation this decision chain.

• Communication: Create a clear and comprehensive communication strategy related to sharing decisions made. The CDC and local emergency management offices offer frequent updates. Do be mindful of sharing with those who may be the most vulnerable in your congregation or faith community. For instance, if you decide to cancel a meeting, determine who communicates the decision including the rationale and the subsequent next steps. Designate a point person(s) to receive the questions that come through phone calls, emails, or even in person. Ensure that all community members know who to contact when questions and inquiries arise.

• Pastoral Care: Create a plan to provide care and support for those affected in your setting. How will pastoral care be offered? How will relevant and appropriate information be shared about those affected? When communicating with community members, be mindful of healthcare privacy laws (i.e. HIPAA). When adding individuals to prayer lists be attentive that specificity can cause fear and unnecessary worry.

• Crisis Management Plan: There are multiple resources for crisis management plans. We encourage leaders to do appropriate research, contact your regional office, and make plans before a crisis emerges.