COVID-19: Further communications from the Moderator
21 Mar 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The impact of COVID-19 and our responses to it are fast moving and wide ranging.
Yesterday the Australian Prime Minister spoke to the refinement of the rule about indoor gathering of fewer than 100 people. It was advised that in a given occupied space, there must be a density of no more than one person per four square metres of floor space. It was also advised that people must maintain a distance of 1.5 metres between each other. Put simply, this means that an indoor area of 100m2 should only be occupied by 25 people, evenly spaced in the area.
We still encourage congregations to continue meeting together in ways that fulfil these requirements if practicable. This may require new and imaginative ways of worshiping. We need to continue to practise physical distancing and maintain a 1.5m separation from each other, while still showing social solidarity.
Your Church Council should weigh up all the factors to make the decision on whether and how you can continue to meet in your buildings.
Gathering together in a large group might cease for now but we are not closing worship and pastoral care as a church. We encourage congregations to continue to find new and creative ways of being church, but to be very cautious when organising gatherings. We encourage you to continue providing pastoral care, finding worship alternatives and offering emergency relief to those we care for in different ways. Consider the vulnerable people in your community and look out for them. You can do this by dropping a food basket to their door, sending them a message or giving them a call.
In all of this, I wish to remind everyone we are not closing the Uniting Church. We will continue to be open for our members and those we serve. We will all need to think of different ways of being church for this time.
I urge you to stay at home if you are not feeling well or caring for someone who is unwell.
I urge you to self-isolate if you may have been exposed to the virus.
I urge you to look out for your neighbours and the vulnerable.
I urge you to continue in prayer and devotion.
I urge you to continue to give financially.
I urge you to share your new experiences of being church with others.
I urge you to regularly check the SA Health and Synod websites for updated information.
Blessings,
Bronte Wilson
Moderator
To keep updated with the latest news regarding COVID-19 and Synod of SA's responses, find out more here
For all enquiries about Coronavirus, please contact:
- Rev Sue Page - Associate General Secretary
8236 4217 Turn on Javascript! - Rev Phil Gardner - Executive Officer, Placements and Safe Church
8236 4268 Turn on Javascript!
Please note that we may experience a heightened number of enquiries. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated.
Please email us in the first instance, leave a message with your name and phone number, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.