Anglican Health Network advises on suspension of public worship

Posted Mar 27, 2020

[Anglican Communion News Service] Churches around the world should immediately take advice from their country’s ministry of health about the suspension of public worship to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the convenor of the Anglican Health Network said.

The Anglican Communion is a family of 40 member churches, which are each autonomous and interdependent. No church or body has authority over any other church, and the March 27 statement is only advisory. Some of the Anglican Communion’s 40 member churches have already suspended public worship at a provincial level; while others are leaving the decision to individual dioceses or parishes.

The Anglican Health Network is convened by Dr. Michael Beasley, the bishop of Hertford in the Church of England. Beasley is an epidemiologist. He previously served as director of the Partnership for Child Development in the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College, London.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic develops around the world, official public health authorities are advising churches not to join together for worship and other gatherings and to worship remotely, staying in the home. This is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus, to save the lives of the most vulnerable and to protect health services from being overwhelmed by cases. It is the loving thing to do, even though painful,” he said.

“Where possible, church leaders can lead in worship remotely using the internet, radio or a call for prayer at a specific time. Single households can also pray and reflect on scripture together. Jesus said, ‘Be sure of this: I am with you always’ (Matthew 28:20) and in John 20:26 we read, ‘Though the doors were locked, Jesus stood among them and said “Peace be with you.'” he said. “Though we are apart, we can be together in spirit. And as we do that, let’s look forward to days when we shall again be able to meet as Christ’s Body gathered. What a celebration that will be!”


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