The Seventh-day Adventist Church in North New South Wales and Western Australia have taken protective measures regarding the coronavirus outbreak, officially cancelling Big Camp for 2020.
The decisions were made yesterday (March 10) during a meeting held by the respective executive committees, with North New South Wales also cancelling their Grey Nomads camp.
“In light of advice we received from state health authorities and the possible health threat to our vulnerable people, we have taken the decision to cancel Easter Camp,” said Western Australian president Pastor Steve Goods.
“Camp is a time of friendship, spiritual renewal and good fun, and this is going to very disappointing for many people. Now is a good time to reflect on renewing our relationship with Jesus and evaluating who and what is important.”
Similarly, in an email sent to all NNSW ministers, the committee outlined their reasons for cancelling the camp meetings, saying they were acting on the advice of medical professionals, and “prioritising the health and safety of all church members and employees”.
The executive committees in Victoria and South Australia, who will meet in the next few days, are also expected to announce a decision by the end of the week.
Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia president Pastor Jorge Munoz acknowledged the importance of camp meetings, saying it was not a decision taken lightly.
“We know that camp meetings are a time for our church members to come together for fellowship and spiritual growth, and we know there will be many people disappointed to hear they have been cancelled,” he said.
“But as a Church, we believe the physical health and wellbeing of our members is very important, and so we support the action taken by the executive committees in NNSW and Western Australia.
“This is not a panic response, but rather a carefully and prayerfully considered matter, and we would like to encourage our members to continue to keep those affected by the coronavirus in your prayers.”
If you have registered for a camp that has been cancelled, your local conference will share more information shortly
