COVID-19 Resources for Faith Communities: Infection Control Guidance
Infection Control Guidance
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.
The Buddhist Chaplains on the Front Lines of the Pandemic
Four Buddhist chaplains, alumni and students of the Institute of Buddhist Studies, share the trials and lessons of their experience as essential workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.
Sitting shiva via Zoom, it turns out, has its upsides
Some day we will be able to return to traditions currently on pause due to the global pandemic. And I will welcome them. But when we do, I hope innovations like streamed funerals and scheduled shiva calls are not soon forgotten, offering more flexible and meaningful ways for mourners to connect with one another in their grief.
Sikh doctor chooses to shave ‘in this time of need’
The COVID-19 crisis has compelled people around the planet to grapple with all manner of moral dilemmas. For Montreal physician Sanjeet Singh-Saluja, it has forced him into the difficult position of having to reconcile his medical oath with his religious values.
Ringgold church now linked to three COVID-19 cases
Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle announced it would suspend in-person church services because of COVID-19 concerns — just 16 days after church members were allowed to return to the sanctuary for service.
‘I would do anything for a do-over’-Calgary church hopes others learn from their tragic COVID-19 experience
Members of a Calgary church ravaged by COVID-19 in the early days of the pandemic are sharing their stories of grief and healing, after Alberta’s chief medical health officer cited them as a cautionary tale.
Georgia church closes two weeks after reopening as families come down with coronavirus
A Georgia church that reopened after shutting down due to the coronavirus has axed in-person services again in what they describe as “an effort of extreme caution” as several of their families have become infected by the deadly disease.
COVID-19 Ramadan Toolkit
The Family and Youth Institute conducted a needs assessment about the concerns and needs of American Muslims as they prepare for a COVID-19 Ramadan–you can read about the findings here.
CDC-Funeral Guidance for Individuals and Families
Grieving the loss of a loved one during the fear and anxiety about the COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming. This guidance is for individuals and families as they work with funeral directors, community and religious leaders, and others to plan and hold funeral services and visitations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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?
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.
Odyssey Impact: Mass Incarceration, COVID-19, and Milwaukee 53206
Panelist explored mass incarceration during this pandemic and the critical role faith and secular communities play during this challenging time.
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.
French Muslims Face a Cruel Coronavirus Shortage: Burial Grounds
For many immigrant families, the pandemic has halted the tradition of repatriating bodies to their country of origin, and finding a plot in France has become ever more difficult.
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.
A global call to prayer
A prayer initiative sponsored by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF), which is composed of Muslim and Christian religious leaders called for May 14 to be a day dedicated to fasting, works of mercy, prayers and supplications for the good of all humanity, so that God will end the 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.
When Resources are Limited, What Would an Ethicist Do
Dr. Paul Root Wolpe and Kathy Kinlaw discuss the unique ethical challenges of triage, ventilator allocation, DNR orders, and other difficult decisions related to treatment of COVID-19, and how hospitals locally and across the nation are handling these challenges.
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.
Securing and caring for your buildings during the COVID-19 pandemic
The archbishops and bishops of the Church of England have advised all churches to close completely during the government lockdown to both to reduce travel and to help to model best practice in maintaining social distance.
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.
In Difficult Times: Supporting the front lines
Webinar to describe innovative ways that chaplains can support front-line healthcare providers in disasters and challenging times.
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.
American Muslim Health Professionals: COVID-19 Resources
The American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP) brought together over 30 national Muslim led non-profits with expertise in the healthcare, social services, faith and fiqh, and policy to compile resources and address the unique needs of American Muslims across the country.
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.
Wearing a face mask? You’re doing a mitzvah. Make a brachah!
A blessing for wearing a face mask fills a gap in tradition, giving an inexplicably blessingless commandment a benediction like other sacred deeds.
Pastor Who Defied Social Distancing Dies After Contracting Covid-19, Church Says
A Virginia pastor who defied warnings about the danger of religious gatherings during the pandemic and vowed to keep preaching “unless I’m in jail or the hospital” died after contracting Covid-19.
In Ohio, the Amish Take On the Coronavirus
A famously traditional community has mobilized to help hospitals with medical supplies, even as it struggles with reconciling its communal way of life with the dictates of social distancing.
In India, Coronavirus Fans Religious Hatred
Indian officials are blaming an Islamic group for spreading the virus, and Muslims have been targeted in a wave of violence.
COVID-19, Religion and the Importance of Effective Leadership
This article highlights the unique challenges faced by developing countries and the pressing need for a coordinated global response that recognizes and utilises religion’s social capital.
A West Virginia church spends Easter making masks, other PPE using 3-D printers
The church is trying to help a local hospital in an economically depressed area of West Virginia that has struggled with the opioid epidemic.
“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.
Nearing Anniversary Of Devastating Fire, Notre Dame To Host A Good Friday Service
April 15 will mark the first anniversary of the fire that ripped through the cathedral. The Paris archbishop says he wants to send a “message of hope” through a small Good Friday service.
Coronavirus: What Mesothelioma Cancer Patients Should Know
The Mesothelioma Center provide information and resources for mesothelioma cancer patients regarding coronavirus.
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.
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.
States Consider Whether Religious Services Qualify As ‘Essential’
Some see Government bans on large public gatherings as attacks on religious freedom when they are applied to houses of worship.
Religion, Public Health and COVID-19: Tips and Tools for Teaching about Religion Remotely
On April 9, 2020 at 12PM (EST), the Religious Freedom Center of the Freedom Forum Institute will host a webinar to offer advice, historical context, and collegial support for scholars impacted by the COVID-19.
Solo Seder: A OneTable Guide
OneTable, a website designed for young adults to find Shabbat dinners in major cities, developed a guide to assist with reflection for those conducting individual Seders.
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.
Days After a Funeral in a Georgia Town, Coronavirus ‘Hit Like a Bomb’
Six siblings fell ill after attending their brother’s funeral in Albany, Ga., and the rural county now has one of America’s most intense clusters of the coronavirus.
Coronavirus: UAE Fatwa Council lays out regulations for Muslims amid Covid-19 outbreak
United Arab Emirates issued a fatwa that bans congregational prayers and provides alternatives for public prayers.
Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia asks Muslims to delay Hajj bookings
Saudi Arabia has asked Muslims planning to take part in the Hajj pilgrimage to delay booking amid uncertainty over the coronavirus pandemic.
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.
With Passover, Easter and Ramadan looming, clergy scramble to create holiday at a distance
Religious leaders are searching for socially distant ways to celebrate major religious holidays that traditionally include an emphasis on social gathering, communal meals and large prayer vigils.
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.
Distance Funerals, Complicated Grief: Gathering to grieve during COVID19
A panel of experts from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds discusses what funerals and grief might look like during COVID-19
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.
Chaplains support NHS coronavirus medics giving end-of-life care
Hospital chaplains are increasingly supporting NHS medics who are giving emotional and spiritual care to people at the end of their lives in the absence of loved ones and faith representatives.
NYC Center for Faith & Community Partnerships COVID-19 FAQ for Faith Leader
General guidelines to help faith leaders prevent the transmission of COVID-19
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.
Large gatherings for Namaz across west Uttar Pradesh despite advice for social distancing
Despite an appeal by religious leaders for social distancing, a large number of people gathered for Friday prayers around India.
Hundreds at Louisiana church flout COVID-19 gatherings ban
Hundreds of people flouted Louisiana’s COVID-19 ban on gatherings, coming on buses and in personal vehicles to the first of three Sunday services at their church a day after New Orleans police broke up a funeral gathering of about 100 people.
How Religious Leaders Can Help Stop the Spread of Coronavirus
Religious and scientific communities need to join together to ensure that religious leaders have accurate and up-to-date scientific information to pass on to their congregations.
None of Us Have Fear of Corona—The Faithful at an Outbreak’s Center
An analysis of the ways in which a mass gathering of the faithful at a mosque in Malaysia spread the virus across many parts of southeast Asia.
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 a Pandemic Religion Can Be a Balm and a Risk
A survey of religious activities carried out in response to COVID-19. The article details a number of activities that have supported outbreak prevention as well as activities that have contributed to transmission.
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.
COVID-19 Resources for Undocumented Communities
A regularly updated spreadsheet with national (United States) and local resources for people who are undocumented to access services during the outbreak.
Coronavirus Guidance for Churches
Platform developed by the Church of England with various resources to support clergy and congregations to respond.
Addressing Isolation and Quarantine
This podcast by Episcopal Relief and Development discusses a variety of issues that complicate self-isolation and quarantine as prevention measures.
Guidance for Rituals for Priests in the Archdiocese of New York
This document provides guidance from the Archdiocese to priests in congregational service for cancelling services or for modifying them under strictly determined circumstances.
NYC Religious Leaders Raising Concerns with City Government
This document provides an example of how religious leaders advocated to their local government for consideration of their special role in providing ministries to local communities as the government carries out its COVID-19 response
Doorhanger
This printable document can be used as a doorhanger to indicate to housekeeping staff whether a room that had been previously sanitized has been used and needs to be cleaned again.
Buddhist Prayers for Handwashing
This flyer offers two different Buddhist prayers that each take about 20 seconds to recite. To be used as a tool for encouraging sufficient handwashing.
Safe and Respectful Care of Bodies During Burial
This website provides updated guidance on how to address risks of exposure and transmission when conducting burial rituals and practices at the time of death.
Resources for Homeless Shelters
A web platform from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that offers guidance to community organizations working with those who are homeless to address outbreak prevention and mitigation.
Resources for Community and Faith-based Leaders
A web platform from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that offers guidance to faith communities for outbreak prevention and mitigation.
Resources for Clergy on COVID-19
An extensive blog by a clergy person in metropolitan Seattle, offering first-hand advice on precautions, worship models, pastoral care, and self-care from a congregation in a community with a high incidence of infection.
Epi-Win
This website offers various resources from the World Health Organization for preventing or slowing the spread of COVID-19. Materials have been developed for both medical providers and for the general public. The site includes specific guidance, helpful video, and slide sets.
COVID-19 in the Jewish Community: Lessons Learned from Italy
This is webinar and discussion with a leading member of the Jewish community in Italy in which he describes his experiences there with his suggestions for how other communities can build on lessons learned from his community’s experience.
Counting the Quarantine
This resource offers a ritual for marking the 17-day period of quarantine and to frame it as a time for spiritual reflection with daily rituals to mark the passage of the quarantine
Coronavirus Resources for the Church
A platform with a variety of resources including webinars and planning manuals.
Coronavirus Guidance for Mosques, Madrasas, and Pilgrims
This site offers substantial guidance to Muslim communities to carry out outbreak prevention and mitigation efforts
Congregational Resources in Response to COVID 19
This website offers a variety of resources gathered by Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School. Topics include: worship resources; talking with children; prayers, litanies, poems, and music; addressing anxiety and fear; links for infection control; and denominational resources
Church and the coronavirus: practicing compassion and care even as we take precautions
An opinion piece by a local Christian pastor describing his congregation’s responses to the outbreak and offering perspectives on caring for those who are most vulnerable, challenging fear and xenophobia, and offering support for those who feel isolated and lonely.
Briefing for Imams, Mosques, and Madrasas for the Coronavirus Pandemic
This website provides information to imams and local masajid on outbreak prevention and mitigation. The site also discusses theological, ethical, and moral principles.
Being Jewish in the Time of Coronavirus
Synagogues and Jewish institutions discuss how to take community precautions as COVID-19 spreads globally.
A Blessing for Handwashing During a Pandemic
This prayer is recited over the course of about 30 seconds, offering the one offering the prayer a chance to quiet their mind and reflect while ensuring that they provide sufficient time for optimal handwashing effectiveness.