Dear Holston Friends, On May 28, 2021 the CDC updated their guidelines concerning fully vaccinated people. One of the updates states “fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing masks or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.” In response, the Bishop and Cabinet offer these recommendations: We encourage persons to be vaccinated and respect the fact that some cannot be vaccinated because they are immunocompromised. We believe it is appropriate for local churches to follow the CDC guidance and make mask wearing optional for those who have been fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated is defined as being two weeks after the last dose of the vaccine. It is also very appropriate for some churches to continue to require masks for everyone knowing that some persons are not able to be vaccinated. Please continue to follow the latest CDC guidelines and recommendations, and please continue having conversation with your local church leadership concerning how your church should proceed. Blessings, Rev. Dr. Tim Jones, Director of Communications |
