FEEDBACK REQUESTED BY MAY 6, 11:45pm CDT

We at the synod office received a request to participate in an ecumenical survey about gathering for in-person meetings. This is an opportunity to share your voice with the larger church. Here is the letter:

Subject: Ecumenical Protocols for In-person Church

Greetings!

In anticipation of a slowing of the spread of the coronavirus, many states are beginning to lift stay-at-home orders and loosen restrictions on public gatherings.

A diverse group of public health professionals, theological educators, church leaders, and pastors is conducting a month-long consultation in May to develop protocols for fellowship, worship, and sacrament for congregations as they consider reopening their doors for in-person meetings. Members of the group come from The United Methodist Church, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in American, and The Episcopal Church. You may read more about the consultation here:

Ecumenical Protocols for Worship, Fellowship, and Sacramental Practices (https://www.facebook.com/Ecumenical-Protocols-for-Worship-Fellowship-and-Sacramental-Practices-102239248149588)

The purpose of this survey is to collect questions and concerns pastors may have regarding their capacity to address public health requirements, pastoral needs of congregations, and theologically-sound practice of worship and sacrament as they adapt to new practices of social distancing. Discipleship Ministries, a United Methodist agency, has agreed to assist with this survey. It should take approximately 7 minutes to complete.

Due to the urgency of the task, the consultation is operating on an abbreviated schedule. The work of the consultation must be completed by the first week of June. Therefore, the survey will only be open until 11:45 p.m. CT, Wednesday, May 6.

HERE IS THE SURVEY LINK: https://www.research.net/r/WORSHIPPROTOCOLS

Thank you for participating in this urgent project.

Sincerely,

L Edward Phillips
Associate Professor of Worship
Candler School of Theology, Emory University

Bishop Larry M Goodpaster
Bishop-in-Residence
Candler School of Theology, Emory University

Taylor W Burton Edwards
Pastor and Worship Consultant