Local Faith Leaders Encourage Safety During the Holidays

By edhat staff

Santa Barbara County faith leaders are urging social and physical distancing during the holidays.

Rev. Dr. Kate Wiebe, the Executive Director of the Institute for Collective Trauma & Growth, expressed how important it is to listen to public health officials while preparing to celebrate the upcoming faith-based holidays.

“This is not how any of us would like to celebrate, but it’s how we must celebrate especially this week as we strive to stop the spread of the coronavirus,” said Wiebe.

Congregation B’nai B’rth Rabbi Daniel Brenner stated no religion advocates for putting people’s lives in danger.

Father Jon Hedges of St. Athanasius Orthodox and Father Pedro Lopez of Our Lady of Guadalupe echoed similar sentiments. 

Members of the faith community are encouraged to join religious services online and connect with family by video or phone.

The full video message is available below: