Faith Communities and COVID-19

Tips and resources for members and congregations during the COVID-19 pandemic

Please consult local, provincial, and federal public health agencies for the latest updates on COVID-19 that may affect your community of faith. Below are some resources to support you. Ministry personnel who are seeking support and resources during the pandemic can consult their regional council for assistance that fits with provincial health requirements and regulations. Remember: We are not alone.

Credit: mattthewafflecat, Pixabay

The United Church is accepting donations to support those in the global South who are at greater risk than ever due to COVID-19. Find out how Mission & Service partners are turning compassion into action for those who need it most. The World Council of Churches has collected prayers from around the globe for use during the pandemic.

Emergency Funding for Congregations
The Government of Canada, the General Council, and regional councils are offering support to congregations to manage their finances in this unprecedented time of pandemic.
- Government Emergency Programs
  Eligibility criteria and other details on the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) (extended to Oct. 31, 2020), and Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) for laid-off staff.
Reopening Churches during COVID-19
Each council makes decisions on reopening for its areas of responsibility. The governing board of each community of faith should consult with its local public health unit, provincial health ministry, and regional council.
- Safety Considerations for Reopening during the Pandemic
  Guidance for those responsible for making decisions in all parts of the church, and things to consider before moving from one phase to another.
- Phase 1: Reopening the Building during the Pandemic
  Small groups may meet in person in small numbers, with social distancing and masks. Worship will continue to be online only, with some exceptions for outdoor worship.
- Phase 2: Reopening In-Person Worship during the Pandemic
  Worship and other activities resume in church buildings, with social distancing and other measures.
- Phase 3: Full Return during the Pandemic
  For worship and other gatherings, you will still need to consider the health and safety regulations of your province.
Governance during the Pandemic
Adapting the work of the church—pastoral relations, employment, congregational meetings, and more—during the pandemic.
Tools for Worship during COVID-19
Suggestions on using technology during the COVID-19 pandemic, music copyright, and more.
Worship Online during COVID-19
Many United Church communities of faith are sharing worship services online during COVID-19. Learn how to find or host an online service, tips on technology and copyright, information about online communion and offering, links to prayers, and more.
Stewardship, Finances, and COVID-19
What communities of faith can do right now to manage the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Prayer for Those Who Struggle

We pray for those who struggle at this time of huge uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ministry with Children and Youth

A message from the Moderator and resources for those who minister with children and youth.

Clarification: Ontario churches CAN stream worship from their buildings

Clarification: Ontario churches CAN stream worship from their buildings. This modifies the advice we gave on March 25.

“We Are All Relatives”

The National Indigenous Elders Council has offered the whole church its wisdom and assurance in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Closure of Church Buildings in Ontario

In Ontario, church buildings (with some exceptions) have not been named as essential, so Ontario church buildings must be closed. We interpret…

Moderator Asks That Funerals Be Delayed

Moderator urges communities of faith to consider delaying funerals at this present time.

Supporting Staff through the Pandemic

With in-person worship being suspended and rental incomes stopped, some communities of faith may be faced with financial concerns Before making…

Gratitude for Your Essential Service during COVID-19

Letter from General Secretary Nora Sanders to ministry personnel and church leaders, 16 March 2020.

The Right Rev. Dr. Richard Bott, 43rd Moderator of The United Church of Canada

Moderator: God Is with Us

Moderator Richard Bott's letter to communities of faith reminds us that God is with us through COVID-19.

Employment and Pastoral Relationships in the Event of Church Closures

Some guidance on pastoral relationships and employment in local congregations in the event of church closures in this time of COVID-19.

Downloads

Attachment	Size	Type
The United Church of Canada Emergency Plan (Mar 2020)	550.66 KB	PDF
Are You Ready for a Health Emergency? (Mar 2020)	115.08 KB	PDF
Breaking the Chain: Reducing the Spread of Infection (Mar 2020)	116.94 KB	PDF
Being Faithful during Cold and Flu Season (Mar 2020)	177.2 KB	PDF