Pandemic Safety
The UUA presents best practices for reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission at in-person worship and events, recognizing that this virus is going to be with us for a long time. These strategies are based on the advice of UU public health experts as well as effective practices that some of our congregations are already using. None of these strategies are meant to stand alone. Combined they offer layers of precaution that increase safety and inclusion for all members of a community. We recommend that you start with this curated a list of strategies and accompanying resources.
The strategies and tips we offer are based on the advice of UU public health experts as well as effective practices that some of our congregations have been using. None of these strategies are meant to stand alone. Combined, they offer layers of precaution that increase safety and inclusion for all members of a community.
Each congregation decides for itself how it will gather given the risks and needs in its community, and decisions will change as the virus surges and dissipates. The UUA supports congregations that make the decision to suspend all in-person gatherings, and we also support congregations that decide to combine in-person and online engagement. The strategies below are meant for times when the congregational leadership discerns—based on your community, your building, and your people—that some in-person meetings, programs, and worship can be adequately safe.
You Are Not Alone
As the pandemic continues, we will continue to face uncertainty. The best we can do at any given time is to lean in to our values as well as draw on the gifts and wisdom of our own people.
We encourage congregational leaders to move with care and humility, and a willingness to reverse course if things aren’t working, or as the situation with the virus changes. In this difficult and extraordinary time, we invite you to engage with us in ongoing creativity as we all minister to one another and the world.
Know that, whatever comes, we as your UUA staff are your partners. We will be here to help you think through tough situations and find a way forward. We will help connect you with others so we can all learn together. We will be there working alongside you for love, care, spiritual connection, and justice in your communities and beyond. Find your congregation's regional staff for direct support.
Pandemic Resource Library
Scrolling below you will find strategic resources for congregations during a pandemic. Additional pandemic-related resources include:
- Worship resources for the COVID-19 pandemic
- Resources for Multiplatform (in-person and virtual) worship and programs
- The robust Lay Spiritual Care Training for non-ordained leaders
- Insights on the legality of holding official meetings online during a pandemic
- Technical guidance for online virtual voting in all-member congregational meetings being conducted virtually
- Browse a complete list of resources tagged as a COVID-19 related resource.
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Trying to figure out how to talk about wearing masks in church? Here are some examples!
August 20, 2021 | From LeaderLabTagged as: #COVID19, Covenant, Safe Congregations -
Widespread vaccination against COVID-19 makes our communities safer. How do we encourage vaccination with sensitivity and kindness?
August 20, 2021 | From LeaderLabTagged as: #COVID19, Safe Congregations -
From exercising regularly, sticking with spiritual disciplines, and enjoying hobbies, to reading for pleasure, getting enough sleep, and spending time with those we love, caring for ourselves is hardest precisely when we most need to do it. Throw in the limitations of physical...
By Jan Gartner | August 5, 2021 | From LeaderLabTagged as: #COVID19 -
As a faith community, we need to be grounded in our principles and values when making decisions during times of turmoil.
Leader Resource | By Susan Frederick-Gray | April 15, 2021 | From LeaderLabTagged as: #COVID19, UU Theology -
As congregations consider physically re-opening for hybrid or multiplatform worship and programs, families with children and youth may be left out or excluded. Inclusion will take care and consideration of the challenges families are facing.
By Evin Carvill Ziemer | April 12, 2021 | From LeaderLabTagged as: #COVID19, Families & Faith Development -
It's important to understand that our faith communities have gone through a traumatic experience, and that is having an impact on our physical and mental functioning.
Video | By Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe | March 18, 2021 | From LeaderLabTagged as: Building Community, Covenant -
Organizations and websites with accurate COVID-19 data for Unitarian Universalist congregations to reference as they determine when it's safe to gather in person.
October 21, 2020 | From LeaderLabTagged as: #COVID19, Safe Congregations -
Questions to help your congregation's leaders decide about gathering in person.
October 21, 2020 | From LeaderLabTagged as: #COVID19, Safely Staffing Your Congregations, Safe Congregations -
We're living through complicated times. Support your staff well!
By Jan Gartner | June 5, 2020 | From LeaderLabTagged as: #COVID19 -
What do you and your family need during a time of pandemic? What challenges do you face to hold your family in spiritual, physical, social, and material health? Unitarian Universalist values, practices, and virtual connections can support families in new ways at this time. Explore ideas here.
April 2, 2020 | From LeaderLabTagged as: #COVID19, Children, Parents, Trauma, Children's Faith Development, Families & Faith Development, Trauma Response