Thursday 23rd September 2021

Dear Church,

I’m writing to share some thoughts as we head towards a likely easing of Covid restrictions in the coming weeks.

Many of you would be aware that there’s been some conversations in the media around vaccination passports and their possible implications for churches. The NSW government has provided an intended roadmap for the next stage of easing when our state reaches 70% of 16+ fully vaccinated. They’ve also indicated that they’re currently working on plans for the 80% roadmap. It’s anticipated that this phase will only be a few weeks behind the 70% phase. However, there’s still a lot of variables and as we’ve seen things can change quickly in this season.

Along with many other C3 churches we have agreed to hold off on making any definite plans for a recommencement of Sunday services until we see what the 80% roadmap contains. There is still discussion to be had both at a pastoral and church governance level before we’ll be in a place to make firm decisions about what that might look like. I’d be grateful for your prayers as our leadership team seek wisdom regarding these conversations in the coming days. We’re also keen to hear from our church members about your thoughts and concerns regarding recommencement of services. To that end, we have created an anonymous survey to provide you an opportunity to share your thoughts. You’ll find the link at the bottom of this letter. We’re also aware that the extended lockdown has posed some significant emotional health challenges. So, we’re willing to consider the possibility of facilitating some other connection opportunities (that aren’t public church services) for vaccinated people. As was the case last year, when we do recommence in-person church services please rest assured that we’ll continue to stream our services online for those unable or concerned about attending in person.

In the meantime, I thought it might be prudent to fill you in on C3 Australia’s perspective. Our Australian Regional Director Pastor Lars Halverson has written to the Prime Minister and State and Territory Premiers and Chief Ministers to indicate the C3 movement’s viewpoint. Last week Jill and I attended a Zoom meeting with the other C3 NSW Area Directors and some members of the C3 National Executive. At this meeting there was in principle agreement around a couple of matters, which are also form a summary of some of the content in Pastor Lars’ letter to our Nation’s political leaders.

We are concerned about the implications of recommencing church services while the Public Health Orders do not allow some people able to attend. At the heart of community is people meeting together, and central to our faith is that none are excluded - particularly the poor, the marginalised, the lonely and isolated. Whilst we understand the need for some restrictions and controls, we cannot in principle support the use of Vaccine Passports for our churches. Our church doors must remain open to all in need - while maintaining best health practices and adhering to the Health Guidelines for meeting in public.
We encourage our pastors and members to consider the call by the Federal Government, individual State Premiers and Territory leaders & Chief Health Officers for Australians to be vaccinated. Our position is that this is a personal decision for each individual and we urge all to seek medical advice and make an informed choice for themselves and their families. As at the time of this letter, Jill and I, along with all our pastors have been fully vaccinated or had at least one dose and awaiting their second.

What does love look like?

So, while we’re awaiting more concrete plans, could I encourage each member of our church to consider one important question, ‘What does love look like?’ I believe that question could become an important backbone for all our actions as we negotiate the days ahead.

In some arenas of Christianity, there seems to be a focus on urging Christians to ‘fight for their rights and freedoms.’ However, I have difficulty reconciling that perspective with a biblical world view. Could I encourage you to take some time to ask yourself the following questions? What does love look like for me? What can I forgo or give up for the benefit of others? What does it look like to love my neighbour? To love my enemy? What does it look like to love the poor? The vulnerable? The isolated? The sick?

While I can’t answer those questions for you, I thought perhaps I could share some thoughts to get you thinking about how this might apply in your situation. So, by way of example I’ve selected a few views that I imagine some of our people will hold and made some possible suggestions for your consideration. In all these cases, regardless of which category you fall into, there are two overarching values that I would encourage us all to consider. Firstly, be aware of the way we express our opinion and views. In a culture that is highly combative, especially on social media, let’s be a people whose conversation is seasoned with grace and love. Avoid the temptation to fight back against an opposing view. Secondly, have a civil conversation with someone who has a different perspective to you. Ask lots of questions and listen intently. Our decisions and worldviews in matters such as these are nearly always affected by a personal story or experience. So much tension and disunity can be quelled through this simple action.

For the fully vaccinated. (In the very near future this will be the majority of people.)

Don’t flaunt or abuse your freedoms at the expense of others who don’t have them.
Although you may not agree with other people’s decision not to vaccinate, you could acknowledge and accept that it is based on their conscience and free will.
Continue to wear masks and socially distance whenever you’re gathering with unvaccinated or vulnerable people in the church or community.
Offer to run errands on behalf of those who may not have the freedom to go places that you are free to go.
Reach out to the elderly or people with compromised immunity and underlying health issues by actively seeking ways to make them feel included and supported.
If you have concerns about attending a church service or event where unvaccinated people may be in attendance, in deference to them, you could choose not to attend and watch online until you are comfortable to attend again.

For the vaccine hesitant, or those unwilling to be vaccinated.

Although you may not agree with other people’s decision to vaccinate, you could acknowledge and accept that it is based on their conscience and free will.
Be willing to get frequent covid tests so that others feel more comfortable in your presence.
Continue to wear masks and socially distance whenever you’re gathering with people in the church or community.
Reach out to the elderly or people with compromised immunity and underlying health issues by actively seeking ways to make them feel included and supported.
If you know that others have concerns about attending a church service or event where unvaccinated people may be in attendance, in deference to them, you could choose not to attend and watch online until you know that people feel more comfortable.

For those who believe the seriousness of covid is being overemphasised.

Be sensitive and gracious toward those who are concerned about the seriousness of Covid.
Be being willing to wear a mask and socially distance.
You could approach a front-line medical worker for a conversation and ask them to share a little of their story and perspective so that you understand where they might be coming from.

For those who have underlying health conditions themselves or within their family. (It’s very likely that you’ve been making these kinds of sacrifices long before Covid anyway. It’s the rest of us that need to catch up to you.)

Be gracious towards those who don’t believe you, don’t understand your condition, or are completely unaware of your situation.
In deference to the majority who aren’t facing the same health concerns, you could choose not to attend church services and events and watch online until you feel more comfortable to attend.

To the advocates of mask wearing.

Determine not to judge or be critical of those not wearing masks.
Be aware that when most people are wearing masks those who can’t or aren’t will often feel quite ‘naked’. Some will even stay away from social settings for fear of criticism or standing out in the crowd.
Recognise that there are both physical and psychological reasons why some people are unable to wear masks and be gracious and understanding toward them.

So, as I conclude friends, please allow me to make a few final points…

Let’s all determine to keep Jesus front and centre in all we do and say.
Let’s all be traffickers in the hope that comes from Christ. So many in our community are living with very little hope just now and you could just be that source of hope they need to keep going.
Let’s continue to look after one another, support one another and check in on one another. This extended period of lock down is taking its toll and our love for each other could make all the difference in someone’s life.
Let’s determine to be the church in action. The church that, although we aren’t yet meeting in person, continues to love and serve our community as a practical demonstration of Christ’s love for them.
In every situation we face, let’s keep asking ourselves that important question, ‘What does love look like?’

I’ve also produced a lengthy bible teaching video for the purpose of illustrating the biblical foundations to our perspective of ‘What does love look like?’ If you are interested in that content, you can view it on YouTube by clicking here.

We'd be grateful if you'd take two minutes to complete our anonymous survey. Click here to access it.

For those who may have questions or concerns about vaccination, I recently released a three-episode interview on the Christians in Culture Podcast with Lauren from our Camden Location. Lauren has a PhD in immunology and works for a not-for-profit research institute that is engaged directly with immunology, diseases and vaccines. You can access the interview by clicking here or by searching ‘Christians in Culture’ wherever you listen to podcasts.

Lastly, if you have any questions or would like to discuss anything related to this letter, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our pastors. Alternatively, you can make a pastoral appointment with myself by clicking here.

Kindest regards,

Rohan Bell - Lead Pastor