Search Results for: Theology and Worship office issues pastoral statement on the coronavirus

LOUISVILLE (PNS) — Many people worldwide have questions about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), first detected in China and now in more than 60 locations internationally, including the United States. Within the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website currently shows confirmed and presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in 12 states: Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Wisconsin, Illinois, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Florida and Georgia. In a March 2 World Health Organization statement about COVID-19, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s director general, said the number of cases continues to decline in China, with 206 cases reported the day prior, the lowest level since Jan. 22. The epidemics in the Republic of Korea, Italy, Iran and Japan are of greatest concern, he said. “We have never before seen a respiratory pathogen that is capable of community transmission, but which can also be contained with the right measures,” … [Read more...]

LOUISVILLE (PNS) — The Office of the General Assembly and the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Office of Theology and Worship have together prepared a statement on the sacrament of baptism and services of ordination and/or installment during the COVID-19 pandemic. On baptism When local authorities and medical experts determine it is reasonably safe to do so, hold baptisms in a suitable outdoor location with a pastor or commissioned pastor, a ruling elder representing the church’s session and the one being baptized, including family, if applicable. Others can take part and bear witness via livestreamed video. Attendees should wear masks, wash hands and check temperatures. Coronavirus tests might also be administered a few days after the service. Maintain safe distances during the service, only entering into somewhat closer contact for the act of baptism itself. The water can be poured from a vessel at arms-length, which allows for maximum distance between the candidate and the … [Read more...]