Today’s announcement from the Provincial government once again returns the Diocese of Toronto to our Red Stage Guidelines. Effective Monday, April 19, our churches are limited to 10 people present for all worship services, indoors or outdoors, including weddings and funerals. Until otherwise directed, clergy and others should only access our buildings, observing all protocols including mask-wearing and physical distancing, primarily for the provision of livestreaming or filming worship, to a maximum of 10 people present.
These are discouraging and frightening times. But we serve an Almighty God, our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. We urge all Anglicans to remain faithful and calm, to commit to fervent prayer for all those who are ill and for those who care for them, and to do everything in our power to be safe, and keep others safe, during this public health emergency.
The Bishop’s Office
“These are discouraging and frightening times.”
I have never considered these frightening times. I once read that in 2nd century Rome when the rich left the city because of plaques and disease the Christians went in because their trust was in God and their focus was in God so they did not fear. We should not fear, but we shouldn’t be foolish.
As Christians we must trust God and allow him to use our capacities help those in need. The Anglican Churches in Ontario have been quick in announcing they are closing their doors, yet they do not appear to have any formal plans to help those who are suffering from the social impact of the government response. These include increase in domestic abuse (spousal and child), drug addictions and overdoses, suicides, mental health issues, homeless to name a few. These are generational problems and where is the church? Looks to me they are behind a closed door or on youtube because they are frightened