Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth suspends in-person worship services over coronavirus
The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth on Saturday suspended in-person worship services for at least two weeks amid concern about the coronavirus pandemic.
“I am asking each congregation to suspend in-person worship services, and for each of you to worship with us from your homes for the next two Sundays, after which we will evaluate,” the Right Reverend Scott Mayer, bishop of the Fort Worth diocese, wrote in a letter to congregants.
“It is going to take all of us to slow the spread of this virus — which will save lives,” Mayer wrote.
The diocese will offer Eucharist via Facebook Live on Sunday.
Mayer wrote that he was not requiring congregants to “cancel every event on your campuses.” He asked congregational leaders to “use good judgment regarding small gatherings.”
A Fort Worth rector, The Rev. Robert Pace, was hospitalized this week after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.
Pace is the first of four patients with the coronavirus in Tarrant County. He attended the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes annual conference from Feb. 19 to Feb. 22 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Bishop Michael Olson of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth has said Sunday Mass will continue.
This story was originally published March 14, 2020 at 10:22 PM.
