16 March 2018
Advice for Churches on swine flu
The Methodist Church has circulated guidance among Churchleaders in the event of a swine flu pandemic in the UK.
Revd Dr Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist Church,sent a message to deacons, presbyters, district local preachers'secretaries, district staff, superintendents and district chairsasking them to consider ways to avoid the risk of catching andspreading the virus.
The circulated document, 'Swine Flu: Risks and Precautions' isintended for all who have a responsibility in a Church context,whether leading worship, running groups or visiting. It also givesdetails of websites and helplines which offer up-to-dateadvice.
It is available to view
Tom Quenet, Partnership Coordinator for South America and theCaribbean, has been in contact with the Methodist Church inMexico.
He said: "Swine flu has affected Church life quite dramaticallysince all churches have been closed. There is concern for themarginalised people - especially the oldest and the youngest - thatthey should not be forgotten. Everybody has been called to look outfor each other."
The Methodist Church in Mexico has informed the Civil and StateAuthorities Office that Methodist Churches and congregations arewilling and able to be at the disposition of the authorities tocare for others.
Bishop Moisés Valdarrema Gomez, President of the Council of Bishopsat The Methodist Church in Mexico, said: "We have a responsibilityof stewardship for, not only our lives, but also for the lives ofothers, which means in situations like this, we take responsibilityfor how our actions may affect others.
"Let us continue to pray for our families, our brothers and sistersin the faith, for our city and for the authorities. Let us turnthis into an opportunity to unite in prayer for one another, havingfaith that God is the one leading our lives."