The last few days have been unprecedented, to say the least. Below please find the statements, responses, plans, etc. from both the Regional Conferences and Oakwood University relative to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic.
The Oakwood University statement is first and includes the announcement of the suspension of classroom instruction and the cancellation of Alumni Weekend.
The Regional Presidents and West Coast Vice Presidents met via teleconference on Thursday, March 12. The emphasis was on exercising good health practices, common sense and social responsibility and on being proactive rather than reactive. The discussion further centered on still meeting the needs of our members and on the mission of the church, while still obeying the laws of the various states and municipalities in the territories of Regional Conferences.
It was recognized that because Regional Conferences cover multiple states that it was not possible or even desirable to have a “one size fits all” approach. Each conference leader was asked to share how their conference was approaching these unprecedented events so that all could learn from each other.
The meeting closed with prayer and with a reminder that this crisis represented an opportunity to further the mission of the church. While these rapidly changing events have caught man by surprise, nothing catches God by surprise. This is our opportunity to remind the world that not only does God have the answer to these problems, God is the answer.