Twenty New Haven faith leaders led by example by getting tested for Covid-19 despite being asymptomatic Tuesday at the Murphy Medical Associates testing site on the corner of Day Street and Chapel Street.
The faith leaders were swabbed for present traces of Covid. Some also took an antibody test to check if they’ve previously had Covid.
The collaboration between the city and its clergy encouraged asymptomatic New Haven residents to get tested as more tests are available and as the city takes steps toward opening its economy.
Maya McFadden Photos
Kelcy Steele, Kashif Abdul Karim, Ken Vance, and William Mathis at Day Street site.
“I don’t want to serve my community and affect my community at the same time,” said Rev. Kelcy Steele of the Varick Memorial AME Zion Church.
The clergy agreed that getting tested is a “faithful act of love.”
Preaching the Gospel of Social Distancing
For more than two months New Haven’s faith organizations have suspended in-person services and congregations. Clergy have continued worship on virtual broadcast platforms for members to continue practicing worship.
In addition to spiritual guidance, faith leaders like Steele have been helping with those not only physically but mentally affected by the pandemic. For congregants suffering from anxiety, depression, and stress, Steele introduced services from a mental health specialist from Yale to members of his church.
As a worker at the CT Mental Health Center, Rev. Kyle Pedersen of the Trinity Church on the Green said he foresees a mental health crisis coming about after Covid’s immediate physical health crisis.
Stickers in English and Spanish were distributed to those who got tested on Tuesday to reward residents.
Pastor William Mathis of Springs-Life-Giving Water Church took his third test on Tuesday and the antibody test for the first time.
Mathis said while he is adjusting to virtual services, he sees the changes in worship as a “great opportunity for the church to be the church beyond the structure.”
Mayor Justin Elicker joined the clergy to advocate more asymptomatic testing throughout New Haven.
Imam Kashif Abdul Karim got tested at the Chapel site to spread awareness to New Haven’s Muslim community. This year’s Ramadan was celebrated by Abdul Karim and others intimately with families rather than the usual large gatherings. (Click here for a story about one such gathering.)
Kyle Pedersen, Jocelyn Gardener Spencer, and Jose Champagne.
Suspended In-Person Worship
Pastor Jocelyn Gardener Spencer of the United Church on the Green and Pastor Ken Vance of Vertical Church have been pushing the motto “love our neighbor as ourselves” throughout the pandemic.
Gardener Spencer said her church’s services will remain suspended through the summer and possibly after. “It’s not loving to bring people when it isn’t safe to be together,” she said.
Vertical Church has begun surveying its congregants about their interest and comfort in returning after the summer.
“The short discomfort does not outweigh the long-term benefits,” said Abraham Hernandez of Grace Fellowship Church after getting the test swab. Hernandez also took the antibody test.
Pastor Jose Champagne of the Holy Trinity Church of God said the pandemic has opened opportunities for the church to reach more people.
Murphy Medical Associates has three locations for asymptomatic Covid testing. The Chapel and Day Street location is open every day from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. The Lincoln-Bassett School location is open this Thursday from 9 a.m to 12 p.m. The Hill Central School location is open every Friday from 9 a.m to 12 p.m.
I did not see a list; nor was I present but I must observe that there are no Catholic priests in the photos or article. Where are they hiding while other denominations are receiving ministering from their clergy.