As I travel the cyber highways and byways of the Episcopal Church and other denominations, one thing is becoming clear: Social distancing is becoming ugly. And while there are myriad wrinkles to this phenomena, I’m thinking particularly of situations in which church staff and volunteers are being pushed against their
Continue readingTag: COVID-19
Episcopal church struggles with eucharistic theology amidst pandemic
During the late twentieth century, The Episcopal Church experienced a sea change as the liturgical renewal movement transformed the Holy Eucharist to the focus of divine worship in the church. The COVID-19 pandemic has, however, upended those changes, and the church is struggling to discern a path forward. Prior to
Continue readingIs church the most dangerous place to be during the pandemic?
Church. For many, even the unchurched. the word brings to mind comforting, familiar images. Images of Christmases and Easter long gone, glorious colors swirling through stained glass windows, playing out against reassuringly solid walls. Familiar sounds, scents, intermixed with friendly, welcoming faces. But is that image realistic during the pandemic?
Continue readingTransparency and communication during the pandemic
Let’s face it. Churches generally aren’t good at communication. Nor are they great at transparency. But both are vital in these unprecedented times of pandemic. So why are churches so bad at these things? The answers are myriad, but several come to mind: Clergy trained in homiletics may be great
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