May 26, 2020
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are beneficial. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Do not seek your own advantage, but that of the other.
1 Corinthians 10:23-24
For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become servants to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:13-14
Dear Leaders and Congregations of the Southeastern MN Synod,
As I am sure you are well aware, guidance from the office of Governor Walz, the Minnesota Department of Health, the CDC and President Trump has evolved quickly over the past few days.
Beginning May 27, religious organizations may gather for worship services in their buildings at 25% of capacity if they maintain physical distancing protocols for the duration of their time in the building, have a
COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
in place and follow MN Department of Health and local guidelines. The newest guidance from the MN Department of Health can be found
here
and updated guidance from the CDC for faith based organizations is
here
.
Be sure to consult your county public health resources as well. It is important to recognize that while guidance has been updated, there are things that have not yet changed.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Minnesota continues to rise as do hospitalizations and fatalities. Transmission of the virus is still occurring and, as Governor Walz repeatedly pointed out during his press conference on May 23, we have not yet hit the peak number of infections in Minnesota. This is the backdrop for conversations about when and how we will begin to gather again for in-person worship services.
The leadership in each congregation of this synod will need to work collaboratively to discern the best way forward. The choices made in one congregation will not be the same as those made in another. Please also note that all congregations must have a
COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
in place before returning to in-person gatherings. Parking Lot Worship Services and Outdoor Worship Gatherings continue to be options for many of our congregations. Those possibilities were discussed more thoroughly in my
letter on May 21
.
As you continue to engage in conversation remember your neighbor and the wisdom from the apostle Paul, quoted above and paraphrased here: our choices, as followers of Christ, are not simply about what we can do but about what we can do to build up the whole body. Our choices, as followers of Christ, are never just about each of us as individuals but about our neighbors too.
There are many faithful ways to continue offering worship services at this time. Remember even when we do begin to gather in-person there are those who will not, for a variety of reasons, be able to join us. Remember too, that many of our pastors and deacons have health concerns which must, along with the concerns of the wider community, be considered.
I am thankful for your wise, courageous and patient leadership as you discern how to move forward. Do so with care, consider the needs of others, be thoughtful and incremental. If another partner in the conversation would be helpful, please contact an Assistant to the Bishop or myself. Much has changed in the past months and when your congregation does gather in-person again there will be things that are not the same as they once were.
Above all, I join you in giving thanks to God who is an ever present help in a time of need.
1
In Christ,
Bishop Regina Hassanally
