As we approach one year of living with the impact of COVID-19, the effectiveness of the vaccines and the recent decline in the number of COVID-19 cases in Virginia are promising. We encourage everyone to receive the vaccine as soon as possible.
While many are eager to gather again in-person indoors for worship and fellowship, the Virginia Synod Office of the Bishop wants to remind everyone that Executive Order 72 from Virginia Governor Northam designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 went into effect on March 1. The order limits indoor, in-person gatherings to 10 people and limits outdoor, in-person gatherings to 25 people and requires all people aged 5 and older to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces. You can read the full text of the most recent amendment to Executive Order 72 at: Executive Order Third Amended Number 72.
Even though exceptions are allowed for religious services under the Governor’s Executive Order, given the limits on other gatherings and the progress we are making as a state in limiting the spread of COVID-19, the Virginia Synod Office of the Bishop continues to strongly urge congregations to:
- Follow the Governor’s Executive order.
- Discontinue any current or future plans for indoor worship. Remaining physically separate is simply the best way to care for one another at this time.
- Limit outdoor gatherings to 25 people
- Limit outdoor worship gatherings to drive-in services and encourage participants to remain in their vehicles.
- Avoid any non-essential in-person gatherings.
- Wear a mask and maintain at least 6 feet of social distance when in-person gatherings are necessary.
- Use digital options for worship, faith formation, and meetings.
When the Governor issues new guidance, the Office of the Bishop will provide an updated statement. These are stressful days, and we, in the Office of the Bishop, know that you are engaged in hard decisions. We are keeping you in our prayers. We encourage you to remember one another in prayer, to care for your siblings in Christ, and to support one another, especially your leaders, in this stressful time.
Additional information on responding to COVID-19 is available at: www.vasynod.org/covid-19.
(Updated March 1, 2021)
