Moore College has been closely monitoring developments surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic from the moment it came to international attention. We have been paying careful attention to the best and most up to date medical advice. Over the past week in particular, the situation has been changing very rapidly indeed.

The College has had measures in place for several weeks and yesterday re-imagined its annual missions in the wake of the virus epidemic. We will be involved in mission but in a new way this year, exploring how evangelism take place when face to face contact is not possible.

Today, in line with similar decisions taken by a range of tertiary institutions across the city, the College has decided to transition to an exclusively online method of delivering lectures for the rest of this academic term.

Principal Dr Mark D Thompson writes:

“Our priority is the safety and well-being of every member of the College community, their families and friends. We believe that this is the only responsible decision in the current circumstances.”

“Our Christian witness must involve resisting the pull of fear and remaining determined to care for those in need, rather than simply to isolate them. Continuing our programs of study with this different mode of delivery will give expression to this. I look forward, though, to the day when we can return to learning and growing together in the context of the rich personal fellowship that has characterized our College.”

To summarise the measures we have taken, in addition to the standard hygiene advice and advice on self-isolation provided by the NSW health department:

1. All classes will be delivered in online mode until the end of the academic term.
2. The College mission will be an exploration of how to do mission when we are not able to meet face to face.
3. Only those single students and university boarders in the College’s residence will be provided with meals.
4. The Donald Robinson Library is closed to the public until further notice to the public and internally to students. The due date for current loans will be extended by two weeks in the first instance, then longer if necessary to avoid overdue fines. Send your enquiries to servicedesk@moore.edu.au.
5. Staff have been advised to work from home where possible.

We are convinced that our Heavenly Father, who has demonstrated the extent of his love for us in the cross of Christ, is caring for us in the midst of this current crisis. He is greater than this or any other virus. What this moment gives us is an opportunity to act with godly wisdom and generous love in a way which commends the gospel we proclaim.

Should you have further enquiries about Moore College’s policies around COVID-19, please direct them to:

Ben P George, Head of Communication
P: 02 9577 9860
M: 0428 196 064
E: ben.george@moore.edu.au