We have identified the following values as some initial significant trends on how groups make or justify their decisions. 

• prudence/wisdom
• protection/sanctuary
• care/compassion
• trust/lack of control as norm
• compliance/respect
• permissibility
• continuity

Prudence/Wisdom

The heart behind these decisions is not to live in fear, but to make sure we are being wise in caring for our church family, and being responsible members of our surrounding community. (Every Nation Church, 3/11/2020)

For all Church members, there is wisdom in taking steps to remain healthy during this cold and flu season. (LDS, 3/5/2020)

Please join us in praying for wisdom and protection as we navigate this outbreak [...] (Bellevue Presbyterian, 3/5/2020)

Protection/Sanctuary

We also know that our religious tradition teaches the importance of protecting life and public health. We seek to uphold those teachings, while also setting an example in the community by complying with the instructions of our local public health officials. (Hyder Ali, Muslim Association of Puget Sound, 3/5/2020)

All the recommendations for a responsible community response include the encouragement to avoid large gatherings. While we are not obligated to do so, the love of Christ compels us to do the right thing to help protect the health and safety of our church and community. This is NOT out of fear or panic. NO ONE in New Life has been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus. This is simply an opportunity to love our neighbors and to serve our city in any way God should provide. (New Life Fellowship, 3/6/2020)

We want to protect our physical health as much as possible, but not at the expense of our spiritual health. Our hope is to balance the need to protect ourselves from COVID-19—with special attention to the most vulnerable among us—and not to increase the stress everyone feels right now. (Temple Beth Am, 3/5/2020)

Care/Compassion

面對這樣的危機，我們肩負著彼此相愛和關懷社區的使命。(Evangelical Chinese Church, 3/6/2020)

(Translation: Faced with such a crisis, we shoulder the mission of loving each other and caring for our community.)

As people called to proclaim and embody the compassionate, challenging, inclusive love of God made known to us in Jesus, we are committed to taking assertive steps that protect the health and well-being of our most vulnerable neighbors and congregational members. (HLSC Executive Team, Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 3/5/2020)

We are all in this together. Thank you for helping us care for one another, and for praying for the health and safety of our community. (University Presbyterian Church, 3/3/2020)

Trust/Lack of control as norm

We want to be cautious without being fearful, walking that line between trusting God and not putting Him to the test. We still don't know the severity and duration of this outbreak but God is in control and He will provide us with all we need. (Pastor Swanson, FBC, 3/6/2020)

In times like this we are reminded that every day is a gift from God, and that while we have a tendency to think that we can control our life and wellness; illness, death, pain, and loss are all part of a broken world, one that we cannot hide from, even when we try. (Pastor Brenna, SCC, 3/5/2020)

Compliance/Respect

In accordance with the AMJA religious guidance and to ensure compliance with the recommendations of King County Public Health Department (created in consultation with CDC), we are cancelling jumuah and advising individuals to pray dhuhr at home instead. (Hyder Ali, Muslim Association of Puget Sounds, 3/5/2020)

[W]e are and continue to be committed to strictly following the guidelines, advice and warnings of our local government, Health Department, as well as that of the CDC. (Rabbi Olivier, Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue, 3/5/2020)

Today, Governor Jay Inslee called for gatherings of over 250 people to be canceled to slow the spread of coronavirus in Washington State. In response, we are canceling Sunday services at our location this Sunday, until public health recommendations allow us to re-open again. (Rainier Avenue Church, 3/11/2020)

Governor Inslee has announced an emergency order suspending public meetings. As a result, BCA and Everett Deaf Church have suspended services at BCA, starting today until the end of March. (Everett Deaf Church, 3/12/2020)

Permissibility

Our Imams have suggested that it is permissible to not attend prayer congregations, even Juma, for those who are sick or not feeling well, and to stay at home instead. (Muslim Association of Puget Sound, 3/1/2020)

During Communion, you may elect to receive only the consecrated host and not receive the Precious Blood from the chalice. (Father Ryan, Our Lady of the Lake, 3/6/2020)

The church is not a building - God's people are His church. If you stay home, you can worship God and pray to Him at home. Go shine! (New Hope Deaf Church, 3/6/2020)

Continuity

Let's pray for those who have been affected by this virus so far, and for a peaceful and positive resolution of the public concern around it. I invite us to share in this prayer of St. Clement of Rome: We beg you, Lord, to help and to defend us. Deliver the oppressed, pity the insignificant, raise the fallen, show yourself to the needy, heal the sick [...] (Fr. William Heric, St. Bridget Catholic Church, 3/6/2020)

"God does not need your good works, but your neighbor does." -Martin Luther (HLSC Executive Team, Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 3/5/2020)

The way John Wesley held spiritual and social holiness together is a mark of Methodist distinction. (Bishop Elaine JW Stanovsky, United Methodist Church, 3/5/2020)

Other typical phrasing throughout many messages included "we will continue to" or "we will remain."