I have the great privilege of working with the faithful team of Princeton Seminary leaders who are designing and implementing our plan for social distancing as a tool to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As we carry out this work, we are well aware there is something both sad and ironic about intentionally creating “social distance” between the members of our community.
I am still trying to figure out the spirituality of staying home. How do we best fulfill our mission to be Christ’s “witnesses to the ends of the earth” by cloistering ourselves at home? I have found help with this question by remembering the contributions of St. Benedict and St. Gregory. This is not the first time in human history that we have faced widespread disease that leads us to prayer.
President Barnes joins the Asian Association at Princeton Theological Seminary (AAPTS) in signing the Statement on Anti-Asian Racism in the Time of COVID-19.
As the COVID-19 crisis continues, children in Princeton Seminary’s neighboring city of Trenton feel its impact. Nutritional and dietary needs have not changed, yet food accessibility is limited. Princeton Seminary alumni and their congregations are rising to meet this need, and the Seminary is supporting their efforts.
“The friends, colleagues, and professors I’ve met will continue to be resources for me both personally and professionally.”