As we continue to monitor the situation with the COVID-19 virus, watching for signals from national, state, and local officials and listening carefully to leaders in our neighboring states and dioceses, the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon is committed to do all in our power to slow the progress of the spread of this virus.
This page will be updated frequently with news and resources for the churches of our diocese. Please check back regularly for pastoral instructions from Bishop Michael, information on participating in online worship, and other helpful links from The Episcopal Church and other organizations.
Gatherings in the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon
We are living in extremely difficult and challenging times but times also that call us to a deeper sense of God’s presence and abiding love. The document that follows outlines our thinking at this time as we consider how to reengage with our buildings and continue the ministry of Jesus to the world. These guidelines are to be considered diocesan norms for this time until further notice, superseding any legal rulings on church openings. At the end of the diocesan guidelines you will also find information on the states phased reopening plan for Oregon. This is provided in order to give you the context for our diocesan guidelines.
- Diocesan Guidelines for Reengaging our Church Buildings
- Going out? Stay apart. (Poster from Oregon Health Authority)
- Do you have these symptoms? (Poster from Oregon Health Authority)
Guías Diocesanas para los edificios de nuestra Iglesia
- Guías Diocesanas para los edificios de nuestra Iglesia
- ¿Sale? Mantenga la distancia. (Cartel de la Autoridad de Salud de Oregon)
- ¿Tiene estos síntomas? (Cartel de la Autoridad de Salud de Oregon)
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Diocesan staff will continue to work remotely and can be reached during regular business hours through their diocesan email addresses and phone numbers. Click here for staff contact information.
Some churches in the diocese will remain closed for public worship services and meetings until further notice. Many are holding online worship and prayer services. Click here for a list of those services.
Outreach programs and feeding ministries may continue as essential services only if they can be conducted in ways that comply with the safety procedures for proper distancing and sanitizing. Please check with individual churches on the status of their food pantries, community meals, and other programs.
NEW -- CDC Interim Guidance for Communities of Faith: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/faith-based.html
Resources
Bishop Michael's Letters to the Diocese
As we continue to learn about COVID-19 and its impact on our churches and communities, Bishop Michael will continue offering advice, encouragement, and support for the people of Oregon.