At issue
It has been a strange and challenging time for Canadian churches and congregations of all sizes as they pivoted quickly to respond to the public health guidelines surrounding Covid-19. Now, as Canada slowly reopens according to provincial guidelines and timetables, churches are once again reimagining how they gather and what being church looks like right now in Canada. Congregations are wondering how long their meeting together in person will be restricted in numbers, as well as in the type of activities permitted.
Singing, for example, a centrepiece of most Canadian worship services, is either not permitted or strictly regulated. Communion will also look very different for many traditions. Some churches will meet outside, if parking lots or community spaces permit, while others will accommodate a much smaller than usual number of worshippers in their buildings at any given time.
The EFC held two webinars in June on Reopening Canadian Churches, which featured Bruce Clemenger, President of the EFC, an expert panel of pastors and ministry leaders, and Dr. Kami Kandola, chief public health officer for the Northwest Territories. From the questions asked by viewers, it was clear churches want to comply with public health regulations, return to gathering in person as soon as is safely possible, maintain their newly enhanced digital presence and contribute only positively to the health and well-being of their towns and cities.
Advice shared in the webinar included tips like:
• Create a plan that adheres to provincial public health guidelines.
• Implement safety measures that fall into categories like physical distancing (controlled numbers based on space capacity, time and household groups); engineered controls (physical barriers, improved ventilation); administrative controls (contactless service to highrisk and sick at their homes, only prepacked individual portions of food or beverages, no group communion experience); personal protective equipment (face coverings and masks when unable to physically distance); and infection prevention and control (hand hygiene and sanitizer).*
• Communicate well and often.
• Watch and wait to see what others do so we can learn from each other.
• Remain focused on mission.
The EFC has a resource page available at www.TheEFC.ca/Covid19 where you can also find a recording of the webinar. The EFC podcast also features Covidrelated topics to help equip and inform Canadian churches.
“As we discussed in the webinar, the mission and purpose of the Church has not changed. It is our activities and programs that require re-evaluation and adjustment for the sake of those to whom we minister in the name of Jesus. It is a critical part of our witness and how we love our neighbour.” —Bruce J. Clemenger, President of the EFC