Statement and Information on Reopening
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Rev. Dr. Tom Wiles joined a number of Rhode Island faith leaders in issuing a statement encouraging a “slow, incremental and cautious reopening for public worship.’ The statement, signed by leaders from a variety of communions including Evangelical Lutheran Church, Episcopal Diocese, United Church of Christ, Board of Rabbis, Unitarian Church, State Council of Churches, and Dr. Wiles as Executive Minister of American Baptist Churches in Rhode Island commends the “creativity and commitment of our faith leaders who have not let social distancing be spiritually alienating.” 

As our congregations move toward reopening guidance is available from colleagues as pastors gather weekly via the Zoom platform.

Printed resources to Download

• "Resuming Care-filled Worship and a Sacramental Life"  Religion News Service
• "Interfaith Statement May 2020"
• “Reopening Conversation Guide” from ABCUSA Office of the General Secretary and REMC
• “Phase II Guidelines for Religious and Faith Based Communities” from Rhode Island state leaders.
• “Initial Reopening for Churches” from the CDC.
• “Recommendations for a Safe Return to Worship” from Church Mutual Insurance

Links​

• "Atlanta church consults its doctors about returning to in-person worship" from United Church of Christ
• "As Coronavirus Restrictions Loosen, Congregations Grapple with Including Older Adults"  from Religion News Service
• "Clergy, Scientists Grapple with Thoughts of Worship Without Congregational Singing" from Religion News Service
• "Scientists to Choirs: Group Singing Can Spread the Coronavirus Despite What the CDC May Say" from the LA Times
• "Dr Anthony Fauci: To Keep Churches Safe, Use Mask, Limit Singing and Wait to Consumer Communion" from America, The Jesuit Review
• What Pastors Can Expect as Churches Reopen from Christian Century
• "An Alternative to Virtual Communion" from Baptist News Global
• "Will There Ever Be a Non-Virtual Meeting Again?" from Congregational Consulting Group

Videos

• What Science and Data Say About the Near-Term Future of Singing

For resources on Grief and Pastoral Self Care during this time visit the Eldercare page.