February 1, 2021
Congregations of the New England Synod,
Our pandemic winter continues. I, like you, feel the fatigue that is circling about our lives. The good news of vaccine distribution beginning is offset by concerns about variants of Covid19. While I remain hopeful for the longer term (next six to nine months), I remain vigilant and cautious in the near term.
We may be getting closer to gathering in-person, but we are not there yet. Some of our states are beginning to relax their rules around some in-person gatherings, and this may, in some places such as Connecticut, include relaxation around gatherings for worship.
I would exercise extreme caution in moving too soon toward this practice!
Much of the reasoning behind state governments taking more relaxed positions in relation to houses of worship, versus other public spaces, is related to concerns around first amendment considerations. Earlier last year, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a synagogue that believed it had the legal standing to hold worship services, even when the Governor stated, out of health and safety concerns, that they should not meet. Since that ruling, most states have adopted a “request approach” toward houses of worship. For instance, in Rhode Island, the governor asked churches to not hold in-person worship during a recent outbreak.
My point in this letter is this:
Just because a state government may grant permission or shift its language around holding in-person worship does not mean your congregation should. As my grandmother used to say, “just because you can….doesn’t mean you should.”
This letter serves as encouragement to be thoughtful, careful and mindful of our role as servants.
The ELCA has released “Considerations for Returning to In-Person Worship.” You may view the full document here. Last year, I provided you with a letter offering suggestions on how to approach re-opening, part of that is copied below.
“As I review those documents, along with several news stories of churches that attempted to meet for worship and then had spread of this disease, I want to offer my own personal reflections. If I were serving as a pastor in a congregation, I would say the following to my church council:
“I see no upside to gathering in person for worship for the foreseeable future, and I think we should begin now to plan for many months without it…“
I still believe that is the best path forward.
It seems likely (though who can predict the future these days?) that we will be able to gather for in-person worship in 2021, certainly outdoors in warmer months. Therefore, let’s be mindful of that coming opportunity and not rush too hastily into indoor worship.
I have great confidence in the patience and wise leadership so many of you are exercising. We are moving forward into a new day. I know it is hard, and I know the loss many have experienced during this pandemic is painful. Let us continue to exercise patience and wisdom!
Sincerely,
Bishop James Hazelwood
Our Savior Lutheran Church and Campus Ministry 