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.

Read about Pandemic Strategies

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.