Bishop McKee Encourages All To Wear Masks While In Church

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Recent news regarding the spread of COVID-19 and the Delta variant requires us to once again evaluate safety protocols for worship and other ministries. The virus has mutated, spreads faster, and is more dangerous than before. As the body of Christ, let us commit to doing no harm (putting children and health-compromised adults at risk) and doing good (wearing masks, encouraging vaccination, and practicing social distancing).

For the foreseeable future, all are encouraged while worshipping or gathering in our churches to wear masks. If one has not been vaccinated, wearing a mask is essential. The most vulnerable among us are our children, who are unable to get vaccinated. Many thought our communities were moving in a very good direction, but the Delta variant changed that, and once again, we must change how we protect others. Otherwise, too many of our friends and family members will be at even greater risk.

Getting the COVID vaccine is the best way to protect ourselves from the severity of this dangerous virus. Each year, I get the flu vaccine. On one or two occasions, I still got the flu, because the strain of flu that year was different than the vaccine. Yet, my flu symptoms were not as strong, and I suffered very little. Similarly, those who are vaccinated against COVID may experience much milder, or even asymptomatic, cases of COVID.

As a member of the body of Christ, I have thought of what is best for our communities and those with whom we have relationships. I have not thought about what is most comfortable for me.

Please join me in wearing masks, encouraging vaccination, and practicing social distancing in our churches so that our witness is a symbol of Christ’s and our compassion for all persons and their health.

Thank you for your leadership and ensuring that our churches are safe places for all God’s children.

Peace,

Bishop Michael McKee

Published: Friday, July 30, 2021