Episcopal Diocese Cancels Services Due To Coronavirus Concerns

WASHINGTON, DC — Bishop Mariann Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington has canceled services for two weeks in response to concerns over the new coronavirus, which is also known as COVID-19. Budde made the announcement Wednesday, March 11, in a letter to congregants and clergy. She oversees 88 congregations in Maryland and Washington, D.C., serving about 38,000 people.

"As your bishop, my highest priority is the health, safety and well-being of our people, with particular concern for the most vulnerable. It is also our collective responsibility as Christians to be good neighbors, and to do our part to protect the social fabric upon which many lives depend," Budde said, in the letter.

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On Thursday, all services, normal parish operations, and parish buildings closed for two weeks.

"On March 25, we will assess the situation, and our hope is to reopen for Sunday worship services on March 29," Budde said. "This does not pertain to schools that function within church buildings that must determine their own response to present circumstances, nor does this affect ministries that serve vulnerable populations such as those experiencing hunger or homelessness."

In the interim, Budde invited congregants to access virtual worship services online at Washington National Cathedral on Sunday, March 15 and Sunday, March 22. Services can also be accessed on the Cathedral’s Facebook page.

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