I.M.F.C.: Religions Are 'Essential Services'

Houses of Worship Must Coalesce Resources & Efforts Now to prepare for Reopening. Responsible prevention practices are essential for a trouble-free opening of all houses of worship, a multi-faith coalition of religious leaders state.

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The I.M.F.C.

May 24, 2020, 23:46 ET

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- With the White House asserting today that governors should classify houses of worship as "essential" and permit them to reopen, religious leaders from the International Multi-Faith Coalition (The IMFC) urge responsible adoption of guidelines to ensure the physical as well as the spiritual health of those they serve.

Bishop Craig A. Worsham, President of The I.M.F.C.: "We believe one of the most important points is to educate the religious communities on the proper precautions to take while practicing their faith, as well as in daily life."

The consensus is that all houses of worship should review and understand the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidance for Communities of Faith, adopt them to ensure trouble-free opening and to keep their parishioners safe and well. CDC offers general considerations to help communities of faith discern how best to practice their beliefs while keeping their staff and congregations safe.

"We believe one of the most important points is to educate the religious communities on the proper precautions to take while practicing their faith, as well as in daily life," said Bishop Craig A. Worsham, President of The IMFC. "The role we play as houses of worship in times of crisis cannot be underestimated."

Bishop Worsham added, "I firmly believe that the choice and time frame in which to re-open the Sanctuaries for Worship services rest with the Senior Leadership of the local assemblies. Many of the Houses of Worship across our city indeed have been providing essential services to the community at large such as but not limited to: Emergency Food & Clothing, Housing, and Testing. Congregations such as Agape Church of Los Angeles, West Angeles Church of God In Christ, City of Refuge & Crenshaw Christian Center."

Several Churches have already implemented necessary measures and made resource centers available for their religious communities. One example is the Islamic Center of Southern California which has a Covid-19 Resources section of their website at www.islamiccenter.com/covid19, with information on how to stay well and healthy.

The First AME Church has also created resources for this purpose.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles also has a Federation Crisis Resources section at www.jewishla.org seeking to educate and there are a lot more.

The Church of Scientology has a How to Stay Well Resource Center where people can study, downloaded, print and share booklets, signs and videos on basic prevention principles to keep themselves and others well.

"We are dedicated to making this transition work. Our congregations need our help now and we must provide that help safely to care for body and soul," said Bishop Worsham.

CONTACT: Luis Gonzalez, Ambassador International Multi-Faith Coalition Email: [email protected] Phone: 213.403.1616

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SOURCE The I.M.F.C.