Media Release – Anglican Church will cease gathering during COVID 19 pandemic

To help limit the spread of COVID 19, the Anglican Church of Tasmania has implemented social distancing. From today, the church will actively avoid groups of greater than 10 people meeting together.

The Right Revd Dr Richard Condie, Bishop of Tasmania said, “As there is increased risk of transmission where larger numbers of people gather together, we have decided, effective immediately, that no public gatherings, including church services, will take place in our churches until further notice”.

“Our Church has listened carefully to concerns within our community about the need for social distancing to reduce the spread of the COVID 19 virus,” said Bishop Condie.

“We understand that we need to act quickly and early in order to slow the spread of the virus.”

“Being a Church for Tasmania, we want to act in the best interests of the wider community and will no longer meet for our regular church services.”

The Anglican Church is exploring ways of gathering together online. Weekly church services will be available online. Details of this and other pastoral and ministry support will be on the website by the end of Tuesday. www.anglicantas.org.au

Bishop Condie said, “We are exploring ways to support the isolated and most vulnerable in our communities”.

Anglicare Tasmania is continuing to deliver essential front-line services to Tasmanians.

Published: 17 March 2020