01 May 2009
Advice for Churches on swine flu
The Methodist Church has circulated guidance among Church
leaders in the event of a swine flu pandemic in the UK.
Revd Dr Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist Church,
sent a message to deacons, presbyters, district local preachers'
secretaries, district staff, superintendents and district chairs
asking them to consider ways to avoid the risk of catching and
spreading the virus.
The circulated document, 'Swine Flu: Risks and Precautions' is
intended for all who have a responsibility in a Church context,
whether leading worship, running groups or visiting. It also gives
details of websites and helplines which offer up-to-date
advice.
It is available to view here
Tom Quenet, Partnership Coordinator for South America and the
Caribbean, has been in contact with the Methodist Church in
Mexico.
He said: "Swine flu has affected Church life quite dramatically
since all churches have been closed. There is concern for the
marginalised people - especially the oldest and the youngest - that
they should not be forgotten. Everybody has been called to look out
for each other."
The Methodist Church in Mexico has informed the Civil and State
Authorities Office that Methodist Churches and congregations are
willing and able to be at the disposition of the authorities to
care for others.
Bishop Moisés Valdarrema Gomez, President of the Council of Bishops
at The Methodist Church in Mexico, said: "We have a responsibility
of stewardship for, not only our lives, but also for the lives of
others, which means in situations like this, we take responsibility
for how our actions may affect others.
"Let us continue to pray for our families, our brothers and sisters
in the faith, for our city and for the authorities. Let us turn
this into an opportunity to unite in prayer for one another, having
faith that God is the one leading our lives."