Camden County Prosecutor Has Alternatives For In-Person Worship

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — Passover begins Wednesday and Easter is Sunday, but with the outbreak of new coronavirus gripping New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy has told residents to stay at home until further notice.

Social gatherings have been limited to 10 people or fewer in New Jersey, and on April 3, the New Jersey Department of Health issued a letter to religious leaders reminding them of these guidelines.

The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office is sharing safe alternatives for in-person religious gatherings.

“If a religious group or organization tries to hold an event, it is impossible to predict how many will show up, possibly violating the guidelines,” Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer said. “We understand how important it is for people to have an outlet to practice their faith, however, and want to encourage safe alternatives.”

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New technology makes it very easy to record video or audio without expensive equipment, the prosecutor’s office said. A sermon or event can easily be shared through an iPhone or Android phone and shared via email, social media, a website, YouTube or more.

There are multiple services that makes use of live video to encourage participation, feedback or discussion. Periscope is a tool that enables you to go live on Twitter. During the video, participants can comment and ask questions.

Visual interaction can be achieved through platforms like Zoom, HouseParty, Skype, FaceTime for iPhones, Instagram or any video chat software. They’re easy and free to download and set up with online tutorials available.

“While these are significant changes in how you worship, these temporary measures are the best way to protect not only yourself, but those around you,” Mayer said.

“With Holy Week upon us, and as we draw near to several springtime religious holidays for varying faiths, the Freeholder Board wants to remind Camden County residents to celebrate responsibly amidst the coronavirus pandemic," Camden County Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez said. "This year will be about an inward reflection for congregants and parishioners and not a public profession of faith for anyone who is observing the holidays. In-person gatherings in New Jersey, including parties and celebrations, are prohibited under the governor’s executive orders, and these assemblies come during what is expected to be the peak of viral activity in the United States.

"While it is not easy for anyone to change the way they worship, social distancing is critical to save lives and stop the spread of this virus. The good news is that unlike during other pandemics in history, modern technology offers us the opportunity to congregate through platforms like Zoom, Skype, Facebook Live, or Periscope, without leaving our homes. Many of these services are easy to use and free, and some allow users to take advantage of the service without even creating an account.

"We know that this is a difficult adjustment for many of our residents to make, however this temporary setback will be instrumental in protecting one another and ensuring that this virus is eradicated from our community as quickly as possible. We are grateful to every Camden County resident who is doing their part to slow the spread and flatten the curve.”