Public Worship Services Suspended Through April

As the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve, the Rev. Cn. Caleb Lee, President of the Standing Committee of The Diocese of South Carolina, has written an update to the suspension of public worship services in our diocese. A copy of his letter can be viewed here.
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The text of the letter is below:

​March 24, 2020
 
Dear Faithful People of the Diocese of South Carolina,

The suspension of all public worship services, meetings, and gatherings in the Diocese of South Carolina has been extended to April 30, 2020. We deeply regret that this suspension extends into and beyond Holy Week and Easter celebrations. However, we are confident that our congregations and worship communities will rise to the challenges and opportunities that come with this unprecedented time. 

In addition to the extended suspension of all public worship services, meetings, and gatherings, all Deanery Confirmations with Bishop Parsley and the annual Clergy Conference have been postponed. 

The appropriate pastoral response will need to be considered when the need arises for clergy to offer sacramental and pastoral rites. In all cases, consideration and respect should be given to what has been requested by local, state, and federal authorities and the Centers for Disease Control.

We continue to encourage the people of the diocese to use the resources on our COVID-19 Response webpage.

The clergy of the diocese gathered via Zoom on Monday, March 23, to pray together and check in with each other. There was fruitful and holy conversation shared amongst us. It is clear to me that with God’s abiding love and the leadership of our faithful clergy, the diocese is in good hands.

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen. 

Faithfully yours,  

The Reverend Canon Caleb J. Lee
President of the Standing Committee