Faith Based Guidance

The Ohio Department of Health Director issued a Director's Second Order to Extend the Expiration Date of Various Orders.  This Order effective July 6, 2020 states that the Director "ordered that the expiration date of various Director of Health Orders be extended as set forth in this order. The Order shall remain in full force and effect until the earlier of the state of Emergency declared by the governor no longer exists, or the Director of the Ohio Department of Health rescinds or modifies this order".   Therefore, Section 2(f) extended the Director’s Updated and Revised Order for Business Guidance and Social Distancing. 

Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health have recommendations as in-person religious services begin to resume across #Ohio, here are some recommendations to help keep congregants safe.

In the June 16, 2020 news release,Governor DeWine reminded houses of worship to continue utilizing the best practices when resuming in-person services. While these are not requirements, they are best practices that include having families sit socially-distant from other families; encouraging members to wear face coverings; and eliminating the touching of common surfaces, such as the collection basket and hymnals, as much as possible.  

BEST PRACTICES FOR PLACES OF WORSHIP

Governor DeWine today sent a letter to the ministerial community in Ohio to update them on the status of COVID-19 and provide suggested best practices for resuming in-person services. 

"Although Ohio never closed churches, synagogues, mosques, or other places of worship during this pandemic, we know that most of them stopped holding their traditional in-person services and found other ways to worship to protect their members and the communities where they serve," said Governor DeWine. "Just as we did with industry, outdoor activities, and entertainment, we have put together some suggested best practices for places of worship to keep in mind as they reopen."

faith based BMPs

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidance for Faith-based Organizations

When deciding to open CDC offers these suggestions for faith communities to consider and accept, reject, or modify, consistent with their own faith traditions, in the course of preparing to reconvene for in-person gatherings while still working to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This guidance is not intended to infringe on rights protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or any other federal law, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA). 

Funeral Guidance for Individuals and Families 

Grieving the loss of a loved one during the fear and anxiety about the COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming. It may be difficult for people to make decisions about how to safely grieve and honor their loved one. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides funeral guidance for individuals and families as they work with funeral directors, community and religious leaders, and others to plan and hold funeral services and visitations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

General information for Religious Partners