1115 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201  ·   803-771-7800  ·       Clergy

Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina
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A Faith-Based Response to COVID-19/Coronavirus

The guidance from public health officials is changing by the hour. Yet our call as Christians is clear: We are called to love our neighbor, and right now, one of the best ways we can do that is to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The apostle Paul, who built the Christian movement, rooted in love, against enormous odds and continual threats of violence reminds us constantly of our transcendent unity in the One who loves us more than we can ask or imagine, Jesus Christ.

Be safe. Call the lonely. Extend the help you can. Receive the help you need. And rejoice in the love that surrounds you.


Beginning Sunday, June 13, 2021, the following diocesan worship guidelines should be followed. These guidelines supersede all previous guidance:
  • Vaccinated persons may worship indoors without a mask
  • Masks are required for indoor worship for unvaccinated persons
  • Only vaccinated persons may sing indoors, whether in choir or congregation
  • Unvaccinated persons are to maintain 3' social distancing

Know the Facts

accelerateSC has compiled various resources across state agencies.

SC DHEC (great resource to stay informed on how South Carolina is responding to COVID-19)

  • Follow the department on social media
    • Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Center for Disease Control (CDC) / Spanish

  • Follow the CDC on social media
    • Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
  • CDC Interim Guidance for Administrators and Leaders of Community
  • CDC Interim Guidance for Homeless Service Providers
  • CDC Guidelines for Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities
  • CDC Checklist for Community and Faith Leaders
  • FAQs for Faith Leaders
  • Download/print: What You Need to Know (English / Spanish)
  • Download/print: What To Do If You Are Sick (English / Spanish)
  • Download/print: Stop the Spread of Germs (English / Spanish)

World Health Organization (WHO)

  • Follow the WHO social media
    • Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Updates, Pastoral Letters, and Directives

May 19, 2021
Pastoral update on EDUSC Covid Guidelines

May 14, 2021
Additional Update on Worship in EDUSC

May 12, 2021
Update on Worship in EDUSC

December 14, 2020
Revised Guidelines with diminished indoor worship capacity

August 11, 2020
Revised Guidelines for Worship and Gatherings in Time of Pandemic

July 29, 2020
Phase One Guidance extended through August 31. Congregations encouraged to explore outdoor, in-person worship opportunities.

June 29, 2020
Phase One Guidance extended through July 31. Congregations encouraged to explore outdoor, in-person worship opportunities.

June 11, 2020
Phase One Guidance extended through June 30

June 3, 2020
Phase One Guidance extended through June 15
Proposed Guidelines for Baptism

May 15, 2020
Guidelines for Reopening In-Person Worship

May 1, 2020
Read Bishop Waldo's latest update on in-person worship

April 16, 2020
Read Bishop Waldo's latest pastoral letter

April 2, 2020
Read Bishop Waldo's latest pastoral letter
CPG announces additional support for congregations

April1, 2020
Information on the CARES Act and other potential financial support for congregations

March 31, 2020
Bishop Waldo has issued the following guidance for Holy Week worship

March 28, 2020
We have put together a list of parishes within the diocese that are live-streaming/recording services

March 27
Read Bishop Waldo's updated guidance limiting participants in recording of worship

March 19, 2020
Suspension of Public Worship Extended

March 16, 2020
Suspension of Public Worship

March 14, 2020
We will be hosting a webinar Monday morning, COVID-19: A Missional Response.

March 13, 2020
The following Pastoral Letter was issued by Bishop Waldo.

March 12, 2020
Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community has issued the following letter to residents and families. Clergy with parishioners at Still Hopes should be aware of these new policies.

March 11, 2020
The following update was issued by Bishop Waldo.

March 2, 2020
Click here for a PDF version of Bishop Waldo's pastoral letter.

Financial Support for Congregations

Administrators across The Episcopal Church are reporting that lenders are insistent that non-profits, especially churches are not eligible to apply for The Cares Act funding. It may be helpful to provide your bank with the following related to the program.

Paycheck Protection Program FAQs for Small Businesses

"You are eligible for a loan if you are a small business that employs 500 employees or fewer, or if your business is in an industry that has an employee-based size standard through SBA that is higher than 500 employees. In addition, if you are a restaurant, hotel, or a business that falls within the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 72, “Accommodation and Food Services,” and each of your locations has 500 employees or fewer, you are eligible. Tribal businesses, 501(c)(19) veteran organizations, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including religious organizations, will be eligible for the program. Nonprofit organizations are subject to SBA’s affiliation standards.".

If you continue to have trouble please contact Canon Hazel.


Click here for the latest information on the CARES Act and other financial support available for congregations.

Click here for a spreadsheet designed to help congregations calculate a total loan amount.

Click here for the latest updates from Church Pension Group.

How to set up online giving

Resources for Gathering in New Ways

We've launched this hub to curate and share resources that will help churches provide opportunities for home-based worship, formation, and community.

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Tags: Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Response

COVID-19 Resources

CDC COVID-19 page

DHEC COVID-19 page

EDUSC COVID-19 Hub

Webinar and learning opportunities


Financial Resources
(CARES Act, diocesan support, etc)

Technology Resources


Prayer Resources

Formation Resources

Pastoral Care Resources

Episcopal Diocese of
Upper South Carolina

1115 Marion Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Tel: (803) 771-7800

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Liturgical Congregational Financial Administration Clergy & Spouses

This section includes the Bishop's Visitation schedule, Confirmation guidelines, Cycles of Prayer and other resources.

Liturgical Resources

Resources related to administration, communication, development, discernment, transition, grants, Safe Church Training, same-sex marriage and more.

Congregational Resources

Find the Statement of Mission, Business Manual, notes on Parochial Reports and more.

Financial Administration Resources

Resources for current clergy, retired clergy and clergy spouses.

Clergy & Spouse Resources