My sisters and brothers, holy Lenten greetings!

As a Union of Churches we take note of the fact that cases of the Coronavirus are now present here in Jamaica. We need therefore, as Christians and responsible citizens to intensify our efforts in order to minimize the potential impact of this virus on each of us.

You will have noticed that even before its arrival, we had sent out a caring advisory, urging you all to implement the precautionary measures advanced by the World Health Organisation in the light of the outbreak of the virus. In the absence of a vaccine, the most practical way to limit the spread of this virus involves a change in our behaviour. My friends, it behoves each and every one of us to exercise greater discipline in our personal hygiene along with a deeper sense of responsibility for others. In other words, as we show care for each other’s hygiene, we are taking care of ourselves. Let us practice regular washing of our hands after coughing and sneezing, before and after eating, and after using the restroom. Let us suspend greeting each other by hugging and the shaking of hands for the season, and please, either stay at home or visit the nearby health centre, if you are feeling ill.

I appeal to us in this time to remember the vulnerable of our society for whom even the basic precautionary steps can be a challenge. There are many persons who are without access to consistent water supply and many more who will be unable to access our health services or even secure basic commodities. I urge our churches’ Mission and Outreach teams to place the welfare of our children, the elderly, the marginalised and ill at the centre of our Christian efforts.

We are closely monitoring the national response led by the Ministry of Health and Wellness and have activated our denominational Disaster Awareness and Emergency Response. We will endeavour to assist you with standard operational guidelines and other preventative and control measures in the days ahead. At this time, if churches can mobilize small teams of workers to implement the recommended steps we need to take, to prevent the spread of the virus, there is no need for us to cancel all our services of worship. Along with suggestions made above, we can:

• Use today (Saturday) to sanitize the worship environment;
• Have ushers meet all worshippers at the entry points of the sanctuary (tomorrow) with hand-sanitizing facilities;
• Encourage worshippers, where possible, to sit observing the social distancing protocol of approximately three feet;
• Assign persons to monitor the restrooms, effecting periodic cleaning and sanitizing of the areas;
• Encourage the presentation of tithes and offering by way of the “walk-up” method;
• Suspend the observance of the Lord’s Supper until further notice and yes,
• Reduce the length of our services of worship.

I appeal to our pastors, moderators, deacons and all church workers to use a portion of our together time tomorrow, to facilitate the sharing of accurate information regarding this virus. Let us exercise wisdom in countering rumours and dispelling irrational fears. And let us encourage calm and composure so that fear, panic and anxiety will not cripple our people and economy in the face of this threat.

May God bless and protect you all and may God bless Jamaica, land we love.

Norva O. Rodney (Rev.)

March 14, 2020