Durango’s churches are increasingly turning to online streaming to bring messages of faith to its members in light of limitations on social gatherings as a result of fears about the spread of the coronavirus.
On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and President Donald Trump issued stricter guidelines aimed at slowing the virus’ outbreak, recommending people avoid groups of more than 10 people.
As a result, most of Durango’s churches have decided to cancel services.
“It’s a tough situation because some folks definitely still want the group worship time together,” said Rob Bourdon, business manager for Summit Church.
Now, possibly more than ever, people need their religion and that sense of community, Bourdon said. One way church leaders have been able to adapt, he said, is to offer sermons on livestreaming platforms, such as Facebook live.
Donna Karp, parish secretary for St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, said services have been canceled until at least April 1. Church leaders for the denomination there also plan to offer livestreams.
“We’re also going to have more home visits to people who are shut in, like the elderly,” she said.
Still, some Durango churches are grappling with the decision whether to hold services.
Mark Collins, pulpit preacher for Church of Christ, said services were held last Sunday, but Wednesday night class will be canceled, and the church is waiting to decide whether to cancel Sunday services. He said about 35 people usually attend.
“We’re leaving it to the discretion of our members whether they should come or not,” Collins said. “We have implemented some precautions, as far as hand washing.”
At San Juan Basin Public Health’s board meeting Tuesday morning, health officials expressed concern that some churches held services last Sunday, and that some denominations plan to continue despite the coronavirus outbreak.
“I think it’s foolishness if they are still holding services,” said Bob Ledger, a SJBPH board member. “They obviously don’t read the paper. They are closing churches all over the country.”
Avoiding immediate contact with large numbers of people, known as “social distancing,” is seen as one of the most effective ways to curb the rate of spread of the coronavirus.
Health officials are implementing measures, such as closing restaurants and canceling large events, to aid in the effort. With a slower rate of spread, it’s believed the virus can be better managed as opposed to a rapid outbreak.
“We need to flatten the curve,” said Ann Bruzzese, chief administrative officer and attorney for Pagosa Springs Medical Center. “That’s the message of public health agencies left and right.”
Claire Ninde, spokeswoman for the health department, said there is currently no enforcement mechanism in place regarding the recommendation of limited social gatherings.
“However, we are strongly encouraging all community partners/stakeholders/organizations to help protect the community’s health by supporting these measures,” she said.
For churches that don’t have the ability to livestream, leaders are encouraging their members to take faith in their religion.
Calls to First Presbyterian Church were not returned Tuesday morning, but Pastor Beau Smith posted to Facebook that churches need to get creative.
“I would hate to think that by gathering, we might jeopardize the well-being of our well-loved community,” he said.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
