OHIO, USA — With Christmas just weeks away, Bishop Rt. Rev. Mark Hollingsworth, Jr. announced Friday that there will be a suspension of all in-person worship of the Episcopalian Diocese of Ohio by Sunday, December 13.
The decision comes after the Ohio Public Health Advisory System designated seven counties in the Diocese of Ohio as Level 4 - the highest health threat alert - in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, every other county, except one, is at Level 3.
Given the growing surge in positive COVID cases and COVID-related deaths, Bishop Hollingsworth believes the suspension of in-person worshiping will last "certainly through the end of the month" and will likely continue into 2021.
Also beginning no later than December 13, all other in-person gathering, governance, outreach and more will be suspended with the exception of feeding, clothing and recovery ministries.
"Live-streamed and pre-recorded worship may be offered from churches, with a minimum number of participants, masked and at least 6 feet apart," Bishop Hollingsworth said in his announcement. "I suggest a limit of 5 people in any room should accommodate any necessary liturgical roles and technological assistance. Holy Eucharist may continue to be celebrate, with only the Celebrant receiving the consecrated elements on behalf of all."
Previously reported "Drive-through" and "drive-in" worship will continue to be prohibited, as well as any form of "virtual communion," in which a minister "blesses" bread and wine through a phone, video stream or pre-consecrated and packaged elements.
Diocesan and Cathedral staff members are reportedly working to provide both a diocesan-wide Christmas Eve service of Holy Eucharist and an intergenerational Christmas Day service including hymns, scripture and prayer, available beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 7:00 a.m. on Christmas Day.
"As a religious community, we may be afforded certain exemptions by our government. As Christians, however, we are never exempt from caring for our neighbor and putting the safety of others before our own needs and desires," Bishop Hollingsworth wrapped up. "Taking these steps in this unprecedented emergency is, indeed, an act of faith and a witness to the love of God in Christ Jesus. I appreciate all that you continue to do in modeling and meeting the practical responsibilities demanded of us in this time of challenge, and thereby providing hope and companionship to those who are suffering illness, fear, and loss."
Editor's Note: The below video aired on December 4, 2020
