The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee staff continues to monitor news regarding the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) and assess any potential impact on the SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando this June.
As the Annual Meeting organizer, we are committed to creating a safe and responsible gathering, and the health and safety of messengers and attendees are our highest priority.
Entities across the SBC have issued statements and guidelines for their gospel workers, employees and staff. The International Mission Board has formed a coronavirus task force to specifically address the implications for its personnel and partners, including church volunteer mission teams. SBC EC president and CEO Ronnie Floyd has called for representatives from our national entities to gather on a conference call on Monday, March 9, to discuss best practices and prevention strategies as well as to join in prayer for our churches, communities and country.
With less than 100 days until the SBC Annual Meeting, we are pressing forward with our plans to meet in Orlando. However, should conditions escalate to unprecedented levels, there is a provision in the SBC Constitution that allows for us to cancel or change the place of meeting. This provision would only be considered in an extreme circumstance.
Prayer, precaution, planning and preparation are the order of the day.
Written by Baptist Press, the official news service of the Southern Baptist Convention.