Advisory Opinion - Church in an Emergency/Pandemic
(Updated 03/24/2020) Events in early 2020 around Covid-19 (coronavirus) have prompted some congregations to voluntarily close for worship. As the governmental responses shift from hour-to-hour, it is possible that congregations and mid councils will find themselves within governmentally required containment zones within which the government requires that all businesses, schools, and places of worship close for a particular time. Questions about ongoing congregational mission and ministry arise.
Additional Recommended Resource - Advisory Opinion - Communion in an Emergency/Pandemic
Standing Rule G.2.e provides that the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly shall "give advisory opinions concerning the meaning of the provisions of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)." Through Advisory Opinions (AOs) the Stated Clerk offers a well-researched opinion and careful analysis on a provision or interpretation of the Constitution that is not clearly defined in the church’s life. It should be noted that Advisory Opinions are just that, opinions, and they are neither authoritative nor binding upon the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).