Date: February 3, 2022
I think coming out of the pandemic (assuming that we are coming out of the pandemic) is probably harder than going in. At least going in, we simply kept our distance and lived in our bubbles. Coming out requires a little more balancing. We have always had some on one end of the spectrum who thought COVID was a hoax and others at the other end of the spectrum who thought COVID was the Black Death – and everywhere in between.
So, after two weeks of Chapel without music, we are opening up musical options again on February 14. To do this, we will reduce the live stream options down to just Wednesday – the Seminary Eucharist. As the live stream option goes away, I know that those who have shared with me a deep anxiety about COVID and presence in Chapel will be disappointed. I would understand if you feel that you are being excluded. Conversely, I also know that the Board’s decision to insist on the booster was interpreted by some students as an exclusion in Chapel for those who don’t think it is safe or responsible to get the booster (or even the vaccine itself).
It is a difficult line to walk. Please be gentle with those of us who are agonizing over how best to proceed. Emotions are running high (which I completely understand); and no one wants to be in the business of exclusion, we are just trying to balance worship and safety.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President