The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is reported to be highly contagious. The state of medical knowledge is evolving, but the virus is believed to spread from person-to-person contact and/ or by contact with contaminated surfaces and objects, and even possibly in the air. People can reportedly be infected and show no symptoms, and therefore spread the disease. Evidence has proven that COVID-19 can cause severe and potentially life-threatening illness and even death. The Western Episcopal District and the Christian Education Department of the A.M.E. Zion Church cannot prevent you or your child(ren) from becoming exposed to, contracting, or spreading COVID-19 while gathering in person for any meetings or Worship services. It is not possible to prevent the disease from occurring. Therefore, if you choose to gather in person for/during the Christian Education Department’s Winter Meeting - Elevate 2026 held at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, Phoenix, AZ, you may be exposing yourself to being and/or increasing your risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19 or its variants.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK

I have read and therefore understand the above warning concerning COVID-19. I hereby choose to accept the risk of contracting COVID-19 for myself and/or my child(ren) to gather in person and waive the right to any of the activities stated above during The Christian Education Department’s Winter Meeting.

Waiver of Liability Relating to Coronavirus/COVID-19 & Variants

I hereby forever release and waive my right to bring a lawsuit against the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, The Christian Education Department, or other representatives in connection with exposure, infection, and/or the spread of COVID-19 related to gathering in person for “Elevate 2026”- the Christian Ed. Department Winter Meeting.

WAIVER OF LAWSUIT / LIABILITY

I hereby forever release and waive my right to bring a lawsuit against the Western Episcopal District and the Christian Education Department of the A.M.E. Zion Church or other representatives in connection with exposure, infection, and/or the spread of COVID-19 related to gathering in person for the Christian Education Department’s Winter Meeting.

I understand that this waiver means I give up my right to bring any claims for personal injuries, death, disease, property loss, or any other losses, including, but not limited to, claims of negligence. In addition, I forfeit any claim that I may have to seek damages, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen.

CODE OF CONDUCT WAIVER

1. Attendees agree to take full advantage of sessions, workshops, and services

2. Attendees agree to conduct him/herself in a manner that is respectful and in accordance with guidelines for Christ-like living, including but not limited to: following the commandments, not possessing or using weapons, illegal substances, marijuana, or consuming alcoholic beverages, and observing quiet time designation and curfews.

3. Attendees agree (if under age 21) to obtain permission from chaperones before ordering room service, movies, or making long-distance telephone calls.

4. Attendees agree to refrain from socializing with Hotel personnel.

5. Attendees, if serving as a chaperone, agree to maintain control of all individuals under his/her care.

6. Attendees agree to report any suspicious persons and/or behavior to CED & Hotel security.

7. Attendees agree not to play on the elevators, throw or drop anything over the atrium (this includes spitting), or walk around the lobby and public areas in sleeping attire.

8. Attendees agree to wear nametags at all times.

9. Attendees agree to refrain from wearing hats (males) or hoods (males and females) indoors.

10. Attendees agree to use electronic devices responsibly. Cell phones, tablets, and all other electronic devices should NOT be used for recreational purposes during workshops or worship services. Electronics are only permissible for reading The Bible and taking notes during workshops and worship services unless otherwise advised.

11. Attendees are expected to utilize social media positively. Profanity and malicious talk are strictly prohibited both on social media and on-site.

12. Cell phones and other electronic devices should be kept on vibrate or silent during all departmental events to ensure they are not a distraction to the learning or worship environment.

13. Attendees agree (if under age 18) to always advise chaperones of their locations at all times, especially if they leave the Hotel or Convention Center.

14. Attendees understand that if at any time the above-stated rules and expectations, and other local and state laws are broken, the Christian Education Department staff reserves the right to have the attendee removed from the hotel or send the attendee home at the attendee’s (or parent/guardian’s) sole expense.

15. Attendees give the Christian Education Department the right to use their image and/or comments for promotional use.

CHOICE OF LAW

I understand and agree that the law of the State of Arizona will apply to this waiver. I have carefully read and fully understand all the provisions of this release, and I freely and knowingly assume that risk and waive my rights concerning liability as described above:

Be it resolved that if I contract and/or test positive for Covid-19, I consent to being quarantined and will not participate any further in the programs of the Christian Education Department’s Winter meeting and will adhere to set directives/advisements.

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