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BISHOP'S OFFICE

A Message from Bishop Tracy S. Malone and the Cabinet – July 9, 2020
Bishop Tracy S. Malone and the Cabinet will no longer offer a Conference-wide recommended phase for the reopening of our church buildings because each local church and faith community is in a unique setting and in locations with varying contextual realities.

We urge local church leadership to be diligent in creating, implementing, and communicating guidelines for when and how worship services and small group gatherings can more safely meet again in-person. Task groups should use the Guidelines for the Phased-in Reopening of EOC Church Buildings in conjunction with information from their county health department in developing the guidelines for their context. Each group should meet often to monitor the coronavirus in its area and to make appropriate adaptations in congregational life.

The COVID-19 pandemic is fluid so as circumstances change across the Conference, we all must be prepared to adapt plans as needed to keep all within our care as safe as possible. The love and compassion of Jesus compels us to do no less.

Visit the coronavirus page of the Conference website for the latest information from the Ohio Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, The United Methodist Church, and to read and download the updated Guidelines for the Phased-in Reopening of EOC Church Buildings.