A Safe Close & Tribute. A Safe Open & Support:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, churches of every denomination in Chapel Hill, NC came together to form a collaborative way forward to both keep community members safe from the virus and address the need for immediate social change.

Pastor Ben Williams, Christ United Methodist Church discussed how this collaboration began at the onset of the pandemic, giving pastors of all churches strength and knowledge from the highest university learning hospitals of how to proceed. The collaboration continues at present to create a new structure for social justice reform.

Interim Pastor & Professor Dr. Barry Jones, University Baptist Church (UBC) discussed the months ahead, including staying ever watchful of changing circumstance in the country's and this geographical region's experience of the pandemic - with regard to whether and how to open the his church again to public worship. He further discussed the location of this Baptist church on the campus of UNC Ch. and how UBC plans to support students as they return in coming months. 

Dr. Jones further discussed how he would advise a pastor in training to respond to a congregation who expressed the desire to return to the church building - if that pastor felt it was best to protect members of the public from a possible exposure.