A letter from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to the Church. Please share widely.

Dear Friends in Christ,

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting much of our individual and corporate lives, posing a threat to the health of so many.  In such a time it is important for us to remember to care for ourselves, but not for ourselves alone. The moral primacy of Jesus’ command to love God and our neighbor must guide us in all of our decisions.

Therefore, and in this context, our choices – however complex or difficult – are to be made mindful of the public health and well-being.

Cognizant of this, the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) of The Episcopal Church has reached the following determination with regard to Churchwide/DFMS sponsored meetings and gatherings: Effective today (March 13, 2020) and continuing through May 31, 2020, all such meetings will be conducted remotely, or postponed, or canceled. Decisions regarding meetings after May 31 will be made by the ELT as the days progress. Decisions regarding scheduled ordinations and consecrations of new bishops will be made on a case by case basis, in consultation with the various dioceses.

May we be God’s blessings, and instruments of God’s love. May the words of the Apostle Paul ring loudly and true in our hearts, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.”  (2 Cor 1:3-4)

Yours in Christ,

+Michael
The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop

On behalf of the Executive Leadership Team:

The Reverend Gay Clark Jennings, President of the House of Deputies
The Reverend Canon Michael Barlowe, D.D., Secretary of the General Convention and Executive Officer
N. Kurt Barnes, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
The Reverend Geoffrey T. Smith, Chief Operating Officer
The Reverend Canon C.K. Robertson, Ph.D., Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Ministry Beyond The Episcopal Church
The Reverend Canon Stephanie Spellers, Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Evangelism, Reconciliation, and Creation Care
The Reverend Canon E. Mark Stevenson, Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Ministry Within The Episcopal Church