“We don’t want to become a hot spot”: Faith leaders encourage congregations to stay virtual

Brooke Taylor,
Faith Leaders Not Ready To Reopen

PROVIDENCE R.I. (WLNE): Although places of worship in Rhode Island are allowed to open this weekend, a broad coalition of faith leaders from across the state of Rhode Island are choosing to keep their doors closed due to safety concerns.

The leaders of several faith traditions are urging their members to take a slower and more deliberate pace.

The Episcopal Diocese is joining with other faith traditions in encouraging its congregations to continue gathering online for worship rather than in person. Others on board include the Board of Rabbis of Rhode Island, the First Unitarian Church of Providence, and American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island.

“The last thing we want is for one of our places of worship to become a hot spot for a spreading event,” Kristin Knudson-Groh, a spokesperson for the Episcopal Diocese said. “We have a number of parishioners and clergy who are elderly and this puts them at high risk.”

Reverend Dena Cleaver-Bartholomew said she has seen the positive sign to virtual services.

“We  now have people who would not have been able to join us in person because they aren’t able to get into church or work hours that prevent them from coming into services in person, or they are even sick themselves,” Cleaver-Bartholomew said.

Places of worship that choose to  reopen on May 30th, will have to follow certain restrictions including cutting down capacity to 25% and remaining 6 ft apart.

List of Faith Leaders: 

  • The Right Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely: Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island
  • Rabbi Sarah Mack: President, Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island
  • Rev. Elizabeth Lerner Maclay: Minister, the First Unitarian Church of Providence
  • Rev. Don Remick: Bridge Conference Minister, Southern New England Conference, UCC
  • Rev. Kent Siladi: Bridge Conference Minister, Southern New England Conference, UCC
  • Rev. Chontell Washington: Interim Executive Minister, Rhode Island State Council of Churches
  • Rev. Dr. Tom Wiles: Executive Minister, American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island
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