Important Message

My fellow pastors and leaders,

Accept most sincere greetings in the name of Jesus Christ!

Further to the communiqué that we sent you over the weekend, we have received additional up-to-date information regarding the government’s stance on religious gatherings. I would like to take this time to applaud the Canadian Council of Christian Charities (CCCC) for being an active advocate for churches. Here are some key points of information that are worth sharing from this organization:

1. Through media outlets, we are well aware that organized public and social gatherings over five people is prohibitedin Ontario. This government mandate is in place to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure public safety. I trust that you and your congregations are abiding with this directive.

2. In response to a letter sent by the CCCC to the Ontario government to seek clarification on who can access church facilities, it was stated that, “…MPPs suggest that clergy should still be free to work privately in a church office or study, as long as they are alone or with minimal other staff on site. The same would apply to live-streaming or recording a worship service from the sanctuary”. Pastors and administrators, click on the hyperlink in order to read the full source of this information.

For current developments and updates relating to church operations in light of the coronavirus, I encourage you to regularly visit the CCCC News & Blog page.

Going forward, it is prudent to consult with your insurance providers and legal counsel, as well as collaborate with your church boards of directors and leadership teams in order to make prayerful, sound and well thought out decisions as you consider alternative means of engaging the congregations that you lead (e.g., web streaming options, using a conference line or video conferencing platform, supporting seniors, social support for members in need, alternate means of giving, etc.). In the name of transparency, and in the best interest of the people that are entrusted in our care, avoid acting alone, but rather embrace this team approach to leadership.

The board of directors and I are regularly communicating and collaborating with leaders of like faith in order to support the community. As always, let us remember that we are better and stronger together. I welcome you to contact me at pastor@tcjc.org or (416) 818-7669. It would be my pleasure to be of assistance to you.

Let us continue to depend on the everlasting arm of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! He is well able to carry us through this, leading us into green pastures.

Bishop Evon St. A. Nunes

The Canadian Apostolic Ministries exists to be a united “voice” to unify the Apostolic Movement in Canada from coast to coast. We will accomplish this through fellowship and collaboration with brethren of like faith across organizational lines for the sake of establishing the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in the dominion of Canada and across the world.