SPOKANE, Wash. — Places of worship have not been spared in cancellations thrown out by the coronavirus and churches like The Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist will take steps to protect their members.
“As of this morning, the cathedral and all of the episcopal churches in the diocese of Spokane, which is Eastern Washington and North Idaho, are suspending services and gatherings until the end of March,” said Reverend Heather VanDeventer who serves as the Dean at the church.
It’s not a move they wanted to do but they believe it’s in the best interest of their members. The cathedral has one of the largest congregations in Spokane so while they enter this hiatus that’ll take place over the next few Sundays, they’ll substitute in-person worship for service online.
“We do have these tools at our disposal,” VanDeventer explained. “To be able to live stream a worship service that’ll be different from our Sunday services, but still something that I’ll invite people to be to be engaged and to take that time of prayer.”
Although Sunday service won’t be the same, the church will remain open for individual prayer and have normal office hours throughout the week.
As they’re forced to practice social distance, they know their role as a church is to help keep the peace in times like this.
“We’re going to do the things that we can do to support the community. We’re going to continue to be the body gathered in prayer. Although dispersed now and not as close together as we used to be.”
The church is looking at this break as an opportunity for its members to practice their faith outside of the building.
Right now the suspension will last until the end of the month. After that, they’ll play it by ear to see when they can open back up and they're hoping it’s before Easter Sunday on April 12th.
“A time like this when we’re putting so many things on hold, pressing pause just for a moment, we have that opportunity to reconnect.”