Communique from Presiding Bishop Rev Purity Malinga – Covid-19

5 March 2020

Dear Fellow Methodists

Warm Lenten greetings to all of you!

I write this letter to you in the wake of the declaration of a 21 day National Lock down in South Africa, from
26 March to 16 April 2020, declared by His Excellency, the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa .
Similar national lock-downs have also been announced in Namibia and Swaziland, accompanied by
successive declarations of States of Emergency in the rest of the countries of the Connexion- with their
attendant restrictions on gathering and movement in concerted efforts to curb the potential threats of the
spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. The numbers of infected people are rising at alarming rates
worldwide, dictating that stringent and swift measures be taken by respective and responsible
governments. We join our governments in urging all Methodists to restrict their movement in an effort to
save lives. These developments have had a direct impact on our work and worship practices.

As a result of the lock down, the Methodist church of Southern Africa has taken the following decisions in
accordance with the government declaration that:

1. There will be no gathering for worship services on Sundays or any other day. All people will be
required to stay at home in strict observance of State guidelines. In the past week, many people
worshipped God in their homes in compliance with the health threat we are facing. Ministers are called
upon to ensure that creative methods are used to maintain worship and prayer within our
communities. We are asked to continue to worship, pray, and minister to our members in their homes.

2. It is important to understand that this time of lock down will be hard and curb civil liberties to a
great extent. Providing pastoral support and meeting counseling needs will be a challenge as the need
for both grows. However, we encourage ministers to remain at their posts because our calling demands
that we be present with the people in times of crisis. Video and telephonic pastoral care will be a
practical option to re-assure and encourage our members; and an opportunity to reinforce our
presence for those in need of psycho-emotional support. In the SACC meeting, it was resolved that
government is to be approached to add ministers to the list of those who offer “essential services”-
considering the various issues that will arise which could need ministers at this challenging time.
Meanwhile, let us be present and available as ministers in practical ways which do not flout the
national effort. In special cases, requiring a minister to be away from the circuit- dispensation must be
sought from the Bishop.

3. All other services events like weddings, unveiling of tombstones inter alia, must be suspended until
after the lock down.

4. In cases of funerals, each country in the Connexion has its own directives and guidelines spelt out
by respective government communiqués. In South Africa – during lock down- permission is to be sought
from Police Stations for funerals to happen following strict protocols. Ministers will need to obtain 
permits from local Police Station Commanders to gather people for funerals ensuring that the stringent
rules of hygiene and numbers of mourners are adhered to.
5. The Coronavirus will have a great impact on the most vulnerable among us like the elderly, the
orphaned, the sick, the unemployed and the children of the poor. Lock down will have a cascading
effect on various social classes in one of the most unequal countries in the world but we are
encouraged not to forget the most vulnerable in our country and to find creative and practical ways of
supporting them. My thoughts are with those who live from hand to mouth for whom lock down means
even more difficult access to food. To the landless, water less and those squashed in shacks- social
distancing and hand washing are luxuries they cannot afford. Government does not have a magic wand
which will, in 21 days, care and protect these exposed groups effectively without the solidarity of those
of us in the community with the ability to act in the interest of the common good. As a church in
solidarity with the poor- we dare not forget the vulnerable. Leaders of groups i.e. classes,
cells, organizations etc. are encouraged to identify such people among us and put plans in place to care
for them. In the midst of this crisis we must hear Jesus say, “I was hungry and you gave me something
to eat… I was sick, you visited me…’ (Matthew 25: 35ff. )

The Mission Unit Director is in conversation with Synod Mission Secretaries working on Crisis Groups
who will follow up on these special needs of our most vulnerable members. Superintendents should get
in touch with their Synod Mission Secretaries for details.

6. We encourage societies where necessary, to open our buildings as places to be used to meet the
needs of the poor. The various government departments have indicated the need for space to set up
things like food kitchens, testing centers etc. There will be need of course, to clarify responsibilities and
liabilities as per L&D 10.33.8.

7. This will be a time for ecumenical cooperation as we, as people of faith, try to respond to the
question: “What does it mean to be church at this time of Covid-19?” Let us avail ourselves and be part
of efforts in our different localities, villages, informal settlements, towns and cities where we are.

At this time of questioning and fear, hear the words of Paul to the Romans:

“The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself
intercedes for us through wordless groans… the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the
will of God”. (Rom 8:26-27)

Even as we face this unknown pandemic – let us be encouraged that we are not the only ones praying- God
the Holy Spirit is also interceding for us according to what God wills.

Let us do good!

Let us do no harm!

Let us stay in love with God!

Regards

Rev Purity Malinga.