Message from Bishop Jennifer
In a letter from March 24th, Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows directed the churches in the Diocese of Indianapolis to be closed to all non-essential activities indefinitely immediately. In her letter, she writes:
"Late yesterday, we learned that Governor Holcomb has issued a stay-at-home order that goes into effect tonight and is set to expire late on April 6. I am writing this morning to share with you some ways that our diocese will be responding to this new effort to flatten the curve of the coronavirus pandemic.
In a time of crisis, the people of God are called set a moral example by taking self-sacrificial action to keep our people and communities safe. Therefore I am directing that our church buildings, except for the purposes of hosting essential feeding programs, be closed for the duration of the stay-at-home order. During this time, I encourage clergy and congregations to pray and worship using livestreaming technologies as long as those services are led from homes rather than church buildings.
This may be as heartbreaking to read as it is for me to direct. Other religious leaders may offer different guidance as we seek to respond to this new statewide order, but this is mine. I believe we are now called to fast from our beloved practices and fellowship to ensure the health of the Body of Christ. I urge all the people of our diocese to follow the stay-at-home order as an act of faith to promote the common good and care for the most vulnerable among us."
To read the entire letter and other updates from the Diocese of Indianapolis, click HERE.