COVID-19 Resources for Faith Communities: Congregational Care
Congregational Care
Resuming Care-filled Worship and Sacramental Life
An ecumenical group of theologians, scientists, physicians, pastors, bishops, and practitioners from United Methodist, Evangelical Lutheran, Episcopal, and Roman Catholic traditions, led by the Rev. Dr. L. Edward Phillips, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, have convened to provide protocols for Worship, Fellowship, and Sacraments during a time of pandemic.
Guidance as Congregations Consider Gathering Together in Person Again
This google docs folder collects a variety of guidance documents from various regional bodies of different Christian denominations as local congregations begin to plan for gathering in person again.
What Churches Really Think About Opening Up
Pastors who ignore coronavirus restrictions grab headlines. But most are being very careful about worship during the pandemic.
Guidance for Phasing Forward to In-Person Gatherings
The Southern New England Conference – United Church of Christ (SNEUCC) have been reviewing dozens of documents and websites on next steps for places of worship. This document is an integration and distilling of those resources tailored for their churches.
As churches consider reopening buildings and resuming in-person worship, what can pastors expect?
Churches are looking toward re-opening buildings and resuming in-person worship. What can pastors expect to encounter as they lead their churches in the weeks and months to come?
A Cry to God Together: Lament in the Midst of Covid-19
The Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing offers a series of webinars exploring the public cry out to God regarding the loss of lives and livelihood during this pandemic each followed by a period of Q & A.
What Interfaith Leadership Looks Like Online
Amanda Quraishi, Rabbi Joshua Stanton, and Dr. Simran Jeet Singh each shared their distinct, yet intersecting approaches to online Interfaith Leadership. Over the course of the Webinar the panelists covered essential elements of online interfaith leadership.
National Association of Catholic Chaplains Coronavirus Resources
The National Association of Catholic Chaplains coronavirus page offers resources (webinars, spiritual care rituals and services, COVID self-care, etc.) as well links to news stories being written about chaplaincy and spiritual care ministry.
Living Your Life in the Time of Corona Virus/ La Vida Durante la Pandemia del Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Los invitamos a usted y a su comunidad a participar en un seminario virtual en español. Los expertos de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades de Estados Unidos les darán a conocer las ultimas noticias del coronavirus (COVID-19).
It’s time to address the unprecedented grief surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic
Our understandings were designed to address a wide variety of experiences, but the kind of global grief we are experiencing — and our inability to physically gather together in its midst — is truly unprecedented.
I Conducted a Funeral Service All Alone: A Brooklyn rabbi on what it’s like to hold a burial service over Zoom
A member of Rabbi Rachel Timoner’s congregation had died at home of COVID-19, and because they were quarantined, his immediate family members — his wife and their two adult sons — were not able to travel to the cemetery.
Dial-a-Priest
Dial–a–Priest is available to health care professionals and families in hospitals and nursing homes around the country through a single number that connects callers to an Episcopal clergyperson for prayer, especially before intubations or surgeries, or last rites when needed – no matter a patient’s faith tradition or absence of faith tradition.
Association of Professional Chaplains: COVID-19 Resources
The Association of Professional Chaplains coronavirus page offers resources (healthcare, spiritual care services, self-care, etc.) curated by leaders in healthcare, safety and disease control that pertain to the COVID-19 pandemic.
15 Funerals a Day: The Pace of Death Stuns Brooklyn Muslims
Since the coronavirus took hold of New York in March, burial rituals in the city have become more complicated. Funeral homes everywhere are backed up and overwhelmed.
Webinar Series to Explore Faith, Ministry During COVID-19
Candler School of Theology will offer three webinars over as many weeks featuring dialogues among faculty and alumni exploring what it means to live their faith and practice ministry during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice
Wendland-Cook is a religion and justice program at Vanderbilt University that believes addressing the relationship between religion and matters of economic and ecological justice is foundational to the flourishing of all people and the planet.
Safe Ramadan practices in the context of the COVID-19
Countries around the world are taking different measures to control the spread of COVID-19. This document highlights public health advice for social and religious practices and gatherings during Ramadan that can be applied across different national contexts.
How should Christian Leaders Respond to a Pandemic
This website offers a variety of resources for Christian leaders responding to the outbreak, including hygiene practices, healthy well-being, and theological reflection.
COVID-19 Guidance for Ramadan 1441/2020
Guidance document for mosques, Muslim community centers, and individuals to continue physical distancing measures during Ramadan, and provides clear action-based recommendations.
Coronavirus in Minnesota: Call to Prayer To Be Broadcast 5 Times Daily in Minneapolis During Ramadan
The city of Minneapolis worked with leaders in the Muslim community to have the call to prayer broadcast by speaker five times a day. The broadcast will be generated from the Dar Al-Hijrah Mosque and organizers expect it will reach thousands of residents, from sunrise to shortly after sunset.
A New Way to Mourn
An interview with a retired United Church of Canada pastor whose wife recently died. They discuss the process of arranging an online funeral for her, the technical difficulties he encountered, and how people are creating new rituals during this crisis.
Four ways to Leverage Digital Platforms for Congregational Communications in a Pandemic
Synagogues and houses of worship are in a difficult spot of keeping connected with their congregants and providing content to the community. The article provides ways to ensure that the content made by houses of worship are accessible to as many people as possible during the pandemic.
“This Has Made My Job Hell”
A chaplain at an NYC hospital explains what COVID-19 has changed, and how she holds onto her faith.
Spiritual Practices for Spiritual Leaders During COVID-19
Faith leaders joined in a Zoom meetup during which they explored spiritual practices and patterns of action and reflection that they can adopt.
Spiritual Care Resources for Religious Holidays during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Chaplaincy Innovation Lab developed a resource guide with ideas for celebrating the holy days of Easter, Passover and Ramadan even when coming together in person isn’t possible.
How to host a Passover seder on Zoom
In consultation with multiple Jewish leaders, Mashable developed a guide on how to host Passover seder on zoom.
Hillel professionals offer virtual one-on-one support, pastoral care for students during coronavirus crisis
Hillel professionals are regularly engaging in one-on-one conversations with students, offering pastoral care for mourners, spiritual guidance and mental health advice via messaging apps and Zoom calls during the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus keeping you away from church? Here’s how you can watch an Easter or Passover service this weekend
Churches and synagogues across Australia are offering their services online and many are live streaming. The ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) News has compiled a list of the major services around the country for Easter and Passover.
Telechaplaincy
A team of chaplains and researchers discuss practical tips for implementing telechaplaincy, as well as what growing research says about this significant method of spiritual care.
In life’s last moments, U.S. clergy minister to the sick and dying via FaceTime and Zoom
As hospitals strive to prevent the spread of infections, clergy are sometimes unable to be at a patient’s bedside to administer last rites.
Hospital Chaplains Bring Hope and Solace to COVID-19 Patients and Staff
Mike Yonkers, a chaplain at University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle discusses counseling patients with COVID-19, their families and hospital staff.
Church grants special indulgence to coronavirus patients and caregivers
The Apostolic Penitentiary issues a Decree granting special plenary indulgences for those suffering from the coronavirus pandemic, if specific conditions are met.
‘It’s Like a Lifeline.’ How Religious Leaders Are Helping People Stay Connected in a Time of Isolation
Services and informal groups are moving online, while others are organizing help for elderly congregants
Guidance for Faith Communities & Places of Worship
Guidance document developed by World Vision for faith leaders to prevent the spread of coronavirus and to prevent misinformation about the virus in their communities.
Considering Faith, Community, and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Crisis
A list of resources for faith- and community based leaders to address the mental health needs of people experiencing fear and anxiety associated with COVID-19
With churches closing, US priest offers drive thru confessions
Father Scott Holmer sits on a chair in the parking lot of St. Edward Church in Bowie, Md., and parishioners confess from the front seat of their cars.
The Men and Women Who Run Toward the Dying
A profile of New York City chaplains praying for coronavirus patients.
Passover 2020
SAJ: Judaism that Stands for All, an organization based in New York City developed a video series to help congregants celebrate Passover Seder at home.
How to Celebrate the Easter Triduum at Home
The Jesuit Post offers perspective on both sacred and secular issues and has developed guides to celebrate Easter Triduum at home.
Go ahead, have a shvach seder
You’re living through an international pandemic – you just don’t need to obsess about creating that inspirational, unforgettable Passover experience.
Coronavirus and Ramadan: How the Muslim month of fasting will differ this year
With the spread of COVID-19 impacting millions of people worldwide, the holy month of Ramadan, which is scheduled to begin on or around Thursday 23 April, may look very different this year.
This social network for churches is thriving in the coronavirus pandemic
In response to the coronavirus, churches are playing catch-up to get themselves online. Some platforms are eager to help.
Resources for Navigating Your Community Through Coronavirus
This platform developed by the Jewish Theological Seminary provides a variety of resources for Jewish congregations and communities to address the COVID-19 outbreak.
Prayer and Funeral Issues Pertaining to COVID-19
Guidelines adopted by the Fiqh Council regarding Jummah prayers, communal salats, and burial rituals.
Islam and COVID-19
A podcast featuring an interview with Imam Osamma Bahloul discussing how the outbreak has reacted the community at the masjid he serves in Nashville, TN (USA)
In pandemic, health-care chaplains address an “existential and spiritual crisis”
Article describing the role of chaplains in the health-care response to COVID-19.
Four guidelines for improvising pastoral leadership through a pandemic
Article from Christian Century that offers guidelines for responding to the pandemic
Faith and COVID-19 Resource Repository
A comprehensive resource list for faith communities, religious leaders, and religious traditions that documents COVID-19 response efforts by faith actors at local, national, and global levels.
Coronavirus Guidance for Churches
Platform developed by the Church of England with various resources to support clergy and congregations to respond.
A Guide for Celebrating the Word of God Together Online
An online resource with instructions for worship that offers reflection on daily Scriptural reading for use by small groups online.