The Rt. Rev. Craig Loya

New Provision for Outdoor Gatherings in ECMN

From the Bishop

Beloved in Christ,

It recent weeks, it has become increasingly clear that the longer we live with the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, the more complex the terrain becomes. As restrictions continue to be lifted, individuals and communities are making very different decisions about how to proceed, and the level of risk with which they are comfortable. 

In the midst of the uncertainty and complexity, I continue to be convinced of two things. First, it is important to to hold the line on not allowing for indoor, in person worship. Story after story continues to emerge of how churches large and small become centers of renewed outbreaks when they moved too quickly to resuming in person worship. 

Secondly, the leaders local faith communities are best positioned to make decisions about the best ways to sustain their common life outside of in person, indoor worship. 

That is why, starting July 1st, we have added a provision, along with guidelines, to the ECMN Phases of Re-Gathering that allows for small, outdoor gatherings during Phase 1.5. This provision is being made leaning into some good scientific consensus around the reduced risk of gathering in this way, provided safety precautions are in place.

This does not mean that outdoor gatherings are without risk. There are many who lead and attend faith communities who will not and should not be expected to expose themselves to this risk. Each faith community is encouraged to be mindful of this reality, particularly if they determine to gather for outdoor activities or worship. Jesus’ way of love continues to look like the way of an abundance of caution, and erring on the side of being too careful. 

Please know that it is not my expectation that you begin to gather or outdoors, but merely that it is now an option for those who feel this is in the best interest of your community. As your Bishop, I support the good and healthy discernment that each individual and each faith community will need to do in order to determine if this is right for them.

We trust you as leaders of your faith communities to make decisions that are right for you and your community based on the guidelines, resources and best practices outlined in this plan.

As you have questions or need any assistance at all, please do not hesitate to contact me. I remain ever grateful for the resilience and creativity that continues to be shown around ECMN.

To summarize these changes to Phase 1.5:

  1. Provision added to allow for small, outdoor gatherings beginning July 1st.
  2. We are still not gathering in our buildings at this time. We will be continuing to look at the health benchmarks outlined in the ECMN Re-Gathering Plan in order to determine when we will enter into Phase 2. We imagine that we will be looking at this data county by county, which will mean there will likely be some variability as to when this occurs.
  3. We are forming a Building Use Task Force to help field questions and provide recommendations for faith communities.
  4. As we move forward, I am looking to be less regulatory in my leadership style in ECMN. We will continue to provide guidelines and recommendations, and we trust you to use your discretion in determining the best and most appropriate ways to live out that guidance in your context.

Updated Phases of Re-Gathering Plan

The Right Reverend Craig Loya
X Bishop
Episcopal Church in Minnesota