Public Church Worship Services Suspended
Dear sisters and brothers,
I am writing to share some important news concerning our life together in the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn.
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of further measures to combat the spread of COVID-19, including limiting gatherings in buildings to groups of no more than 100 people, the Anglican Bishops of NSW/ACT consulted with each other about the wisest way to reflect the care and compassion of Christ for all people in these challenging times.
As a result it has been agreed that public gatherings in the following Dioceses with substantial metropolitan areas will cease on March 22 ie there will be no public services this Sunday
- Sydney
- Newcastle
- Canberra and Goulburn
Services in the following predominantly rural Dioceses will cease one week later
- Riverina
- Bathurst
- Grafton
- Armidale
This means that no public church worship services will be held in the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn this weekend and until further notice.
Although these measures may not strictly be required by the Prime Minister’s announcement, especially in smaller Parishes, they have been taken in recognition that our congregations contain significant numbers of people who are vulnerable to the virus, particularly the elderly. Moving together will also avoid unhelpful confusion at the local level.
I want to emphasise that the temporary cessation of public worship services does not means the end of ministry by Anglican Christians in our Diocese. This is the beginning of a season to show Christ-like care for our neighbours and develop new ways of connecting with each other. In the days ahead we will be posting ministry resources, including online services, on our Diocesan website at https://anglicancg.org.au/keep-connected/. Please share this link widely and feel welcome to suggest resources or links which might helpfully be added to it.
In our gospel reading for this Sunday Jesus proclaims “I am the light of the world”. Please join with me in praying that the light of Jesus might shine in and through us, for the glory of God and the good of God’s world.
Yours in the Risen Jesus,
+Mark Short