The leadership of the Southwestern Union is taking steps to protect and support employees, members, churches and schools during the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. The Southwestern Union strongly believes that we have a responsibility to care for each other during this situation by limiting physical contact and supporting social distancing. We also believe that we should continue to serve as God’s messengers of hope in our communities, utilizing the technology and tools available to us to continue the mission during this turbulent time.
The goal of these temporary changes is to provide a buffer of protection to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. In addition to the steps we are taking at the Southwestern Union, we encourage members to follow the safety guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and healthcare professionals.
We urge our faith community to take this matter seriously as we represent Jesus Christ in our behavior, stewarding our health and homes and those of our fellow neighbors. Join us in prayer as we lift up the many families affected by this outbreak. May the Lord bring comfort, healing and restoration. May our faith be strengthened during this time as we draw nearer to Him.
This page will be regularly updated with any new recommendations or information.
In seeking to limit the potential impact of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Southwestern Union administration has voted the following:
In agreement with the North American Division recommendations regarding this unprecedented situation, the Southwestern Union recommends the following guidance for the churches and schools in our territories regarding the response to COVID-19.
Churches and schools are urged to follow health and safety guidelines being established by local, state and federal governments regarding public meetings and size limits on gatherings. Church and school leadership is encouraged to stay connected with their local conferences as this situation continues to evolve and conditions change from one location to another. Thank you for explicitly following the instructions of your local conferences during this health crisis.
The use of technology where possible to provide virtual church community and ways for members to connect with each other is highly encouraged. Please see a list of resources for churches and members below. In addition to streaming options, we’ve provided a short list of churches offering online services. Members who wish to continue to support church ministry through tithe and offerings may do so by visiting AdventistGiving.org or by downloading the Adventist Giving app from the Apple or Google Play stores.
Check out the live-streaming directory.
