30 April 2009

As media and public interest in the flu outbreak grows, I feel that it is important to let clergy and others with responsibility in the Diocese know that we have been working for some years with our colleagues (both ecumenically and in the public sector) to work out the best ways to manage the effects that such an outbreak might have on parishes and benefices and on the Diocese as a whole.

The guidance we have prepared will shortly be published and distributed through the Archdeacon’s Visitations during May in the form of a written document. This will cover both how to ensure that the work of the parishes and benefices and the Diocese continues in the best possible way and how to fulfil the pastoral ministry which people will look to the Church to provide in this kind of situation.

The document will be provided to clergy by email in early May. Churchwardens will receive it in paper form at the Visitation when they are admitted to office. You are encouraged to distribute it further locally, as needed.

However, it is vital to underline that, at this stage, there is no pandemic. There is a clear government protocol for declaring when that stage is reached. The Diocese must wait on this and take its lead from that announcement, if it comes. At this point, the right approach is to ensure that we are all prepared now and as best we can be for possible eventualities and in the areas where we will be responsible for making sure that church life continues and good pastoral care is offered. In particular, it is important at this juncture that we do not spread alarm or create unnecessary fear in our congregations and communities.

If you would like further guidance at present, please contact your Archdeacon.

The Rt Revd Colin Fletcher
(Chair of the Diocesan Emergency Planning Group)

Flu Pandemic Booklet
Prepared by the Diocesan Emergency Planning Group