Statement by the Oak Ridge Ministerial Association re: COVID-19
April 28, 2020
The month of April is drawing to a close, marking nearly two months since COVID-19 disrupted our normal routines and way of life. As clergy and faith leaders, we mourn the multiple levels of loss from this pandemic:
jobs; opportunities to be with loved ones in health and retirement facilities, especially during a crisis; classroom learning and graduation ceremonies; places to gather for recreation, dining, and worship; and, most of all, for the
tremendous loss of life across our state and country.
We are grateful to serve in a city whose leaders have taken, and continue to take, seriously the advice of medical and civic leaders to practice social distancing and all that comes with it. We also ponder, along with the larger community, what “re-opening” is going to look like. The approaches and timelines are as many and varied as our faith traditions and beliefs. However, the unifying factor for us is seeking to do what is needed and necessary to
love our neighbors. We encourage the practice of wearing masks in public and maintaining a distance of six feet between others, if for no other reason than consideration for those who may be at high risk for the coronavirus. We also hope that citizens will continue to keep a caring eye on their neighbors, especially those who live alone, who face food insecurity, or for whom these circumstances amplify already fragile situations.
Join us as we remain steadfast both in our commitment to get through this crisis in a safe and healthy way, and our patience with however long that will take.
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ORMA website: ormaoakridge.com
ORMA leadership team: Sharon Youngs, President; Rory
Naeve, Vice President; Kimberly Montierth, Secretary; Barbara McCord, Treasurer