Connectional Health Commission Statement on COVID-19
We realize that there are difficult issues for the General Conference (GC) planning team. Out of respect for our professions and training, professional oaths and in the best interest of colleagues, we cannot offer advice that overrides the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (Drs. Francis Collins and Anthony Fauci, et.al.), and the World Health Organization (WHO). Currently, these directives ask everyone globally (Districts 1-20) to avoid gathering in medium and large groups, wear a mask, wash their hands, and maintain physical distance. The recommendation for gathering of small groups includes those in one’s cohort (household) or with one other household if all are vaccinated (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). There is no indication of how this might change before July 2021.
The IHC members will not jeopardize medical and healthcare licenses or reputations to engage with an in-person GC in July 2021. If anyone becomes ill from COVID-19, especially if we offer counter recommendations, the IHC and the healthcare team would risk liability. Individual medical liability insurance will not cover this. Physicians and health care providers are required to adhere to evidence-based guidance provided by the CDC, NIH, and WHO.
The Oath of a Public Health Professional states “…In all that I do I will put the health of the public first, even when doing so may threaten my own interest or those of my employer. In dedication to these high goals, on my honor, and with a clear understanding of these obligations that I as a public health professional have accepted, I do, this day, commit myself”. This oath is honored in IHC advice provided on issues of an in-person GC in July 2021.
An in-person and/or hybrid meeting with groups from different households, states, and countries presents an opportunity for a super-spreader event. One positive COVID-19 person can infect thousands. The convention center has many precautions in place. However, reality of everyday experiences in business, hospitals and schools, indicates that clients and staff are being diagnosed with COVID-19. Factors such as gatherings of family, friends or others that are taking place now through July cannot be predicted or controlled.
The IHC seeks to protect bishops, leaders, delegates and GC members who have recovered from COVID-19; those who will not be fully vaccinated by July, and those who are simply afraid of getting sick or who are currently affected by COVID-19 long-haulers syndrome. Under circumstances without COVID-19, the GC is a tremendous medical undertaking. During every prior GC, attendees have been sent to local hospitals or have experienced serious medical crises. Some have even died. IHC personnel provide care for at least 10% of GC attendees who have a variety of comorbidities and illnesses. Adding potential COVID-19 complications to this is not feasible.
We sincerely pray that no infection exposure from asymptomatic participants or non-vaccinated individuals is associated with the GC and that everyone involved remains healthy.
Grace and Peace,
Bishop Harry Seawright, Commission Chairman
Reverend Natalie Mitchem, RDN, Executive Director
Reverend Miriam Burnett, MD, MPH, Medical Director
Ouida Collins, MD, MPH, COVID-19 Health Commission Task Force
Reverend Lisa Williamson, MD, MPH, COVID-19 Health Commission Task Force
Reverend Oveta Fuller, PhD, Virologist, COVID-19 Health Commission Task Force
Cynthia Taylor, Chemist, COVID-19 Health Commission Task Force
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People.” COVID-19, 8 Mar. 2021,
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html.
