Sources & Connections

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Government and Health Officials

Organizations consistently include links and references to local health experts and officials as reliable information. These references include the following:

  • The Center for Disease Control
  • King County Department of Health (Snohomish & others)
  • Governor Inslee
  • World Health Organization

By working together and following the advice of our public health departments, we have a chance of ending this outbreak and helping save dozens of lives. That, my siblings in Christ, is holy, sacred work. (Rev. Mike Denton, Admiral Congregational, 3/6/2020) 

New guidance is coming out daily from our public health officials, including specific recommendations for groups of people in the Seattle area who gather regularly - which is us. We take the common good seriously and recognize how COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") is a collective challenge for us all. (Alki United Church of Christ Council, 3/5/2020)

The staff at Roots Community Church will continue to regularly monitor COVID-19 in our city and state through the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and state and local health care sources. (Roots Community Church, 3/5/2020)

Leaders in the Faith Community/Tradition

Organizations often reflect cooperation with other leaders in the community and the importance of seeking consultation and heeding guidance. They refer to leadership at their local level as well as larger governing bodies. A few mentioned insight or contributions from members in their community who had medical expertise.

  • general & specific references
  • local and governing bodies
  • members of congregation with expertise

Although we do not have a confirmed case of COVID-19, we join other churches and organizations in taking this precautionary step as the wider Seattle community seeks to address this crisis head-on together. (Fauntleroy Church, 3/6/2020)

We are deeply concerned about the global spreading of illness caused by COVID-19. We have counseled with worldwide governmental, ecclesiastical, and medical leaders and have prayerfully considered the current circumstances. We want to be good global citizens and do what we can to control this contagious illness. We are most grateful for the many who are working tirelessly to address this health hazard. We pray for them and for all who may be suffering. (LDS Church, 3/11/2020)

St. James Cathedral, Saint Bernadette, Saint Catherine, and Saint Therese all shared the same directives from Catholic Archbishop Etienne of the Seattle Archdiocese, which was written as a letter to the "parish community."

Notes on "Discernment"

Several leaders addressed the source and quality of information. They identified official sources as good, unofficial sources as bad, and even addressed appropriate/inappropriate responses to information. Notice that Seattle First Baptist explicitly identifies racism as inappropriate.

To that end, the HSLC Executive Team - Council President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Pastor Mike, and Pastor Katy - will gather weekly to assess the best information and guidance available to us. The World Health Organization, the U.S. Center for Disease Control, and local authorities such as the City of Kirkland, King County, and Lake Washington School District are good sources of accurate, updated information to guide and inform us. (HSLC Executive Team, Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 3/5/2020)

Be careful where you find information about the Coronavirus. Media (TV, online, FB, etc.) gets paid by viewership and clicks on news blurbs. They'll create online "news" titles that drive fear because they know people will watch or click...and they get paid. And so many people have an opinion but aren't using facts or logic. We all should know by now that social media gives a platform to "alarmists/experts" that will stir up fear because they get attention. Unfortunately most of them are self-proclaimed experts at everything and have an opinion every time something alarming or controversial surfaces. Skip their material entirely!! (Pastor Nick, Grove Church, 3/6/2020)

Our community is dedicated to working for justice for all people, and as such, we remind you that epidemics can cause community networks to fray. The Wisconsin Council of Churches advises, “At this time, there are reported increases in bias against people of Asian descent, including (but not limited to) Chinese Americans. This racial/ethnically coded stigma is hurtful and inaccurate. Help interrupt racism and fear when you see and hear it. People of Asian descent aren’t any more likely to get the coronavirus than any other American. Similarly, those who have traveled, have been ill and recovered, or have self-isolated to ensure the health of others and are now out and about may be seen as a threat.” Similarly, economic disparities affect how people can care for themselves and their families. We will keep that in mind as we suggest practices to maintain health and wellbeing. (Seattle First Baptist Church, 3/5/2020)

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