WORLD NEWS

In a historic joint pastoral statement released on March 26, the World Council of Churches and Regional Ecumenical Organisations affirmed the urgency of standing together to protect life amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

For the first time ever, all regions in the ecumenical movement around the world are standing together with a common message that urges both prayers and action for one world to protect life.

“We urge people everywhere to give highest priority to addressing this situation and assisting in whatever ways we can in our collective efforts to protect life,” the statement reads.

For the sake of God’s love, “It is important and urgent that we adapt our modes of worship and fellowship to the needs of this time of pandemic infection, in order to avoid the risk of becoming sources of viral transmission rather than means of grace,” stated the global ecumenical leaders. The ecumenical leaders recalled: “Our faith in the God of life compels us to protect life… Let us manifest God’s unconditional love in safe, practical ways that protect life, alleviate suffering, and ensure that churches and public services do not become hubs of transmission of the virus.”

The leaders of the global and regional ecumenical organisations affirmed that physical distancing does not mean spiritual isolation, and they urged churches all over the world to review their role in society by safely ministering to, providing for, and caring for the poor, the sick, the marginalised, and the aged – especially all those who are most at risk due to Covid-19.

The general secretaries further stated: “People in many parts of the world have become homebound these days. Being homebound does not mean that we cannot experience a deep spiritual solidarity with each other, by virtue of our baptism into the one body of Christ.”

The statement suggests praying at home, giving thanks to God for strength, healing, and courage. “We can show our love for God and our neighbour by not gathering in person for public worship,” reads the text. “Many congregations can share their worship gatherings online or digitally. Members and pastors can also stay in touch with each other and provide pastoral care by telephone.”

The coronavirus pandemic has reached all the regions of our planet, the text adds. “There are fear and panic, pain and suffering, doubt and misinformation, about both the virus and our response as Christians,” the text reads. “Amid stories of suffering and tragedy, there are also stories of simple kindness and extravagant love, of solidarity and the sharing of hope and peace in innovative and surprising ways.”

The general secretaries also urged all to consider the needs of the most vulnerable people in the world. “In the midst of this grave crisis, we lift up prayers for those providing leadership and for governments around the world, urging them to give priority concern to those who live in poverty as well as to the marginalised and refugees living in our midst,” the statement concludes. (WCC)

MILLIONS JOIN POPE IN LORD’S PRAYER

Millions of Christians around the world responded to Pope Francis’s invitation to join him in saying the Lord’s Prayer, at 12 noon Rome time on Wednesday March 25.

Making the call, Pope Francis said: “Let us unite our voices to beseech the Lord in these days of suffering, as the world is sorely tried by the pandemic. May the Lord, good and merciful, grant the concerted prayer of His children who, with trustful hope, turn to His omnipotence.”

The call was quickly taken up by other Church leaders. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: “When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray he taught them the words that we know as the Lord’s Prayer or the Our Father. This prayer gives us words to pray even when we don’t know how or what to pray.

“I will be joining with Pope Francis and with Christians all round the world to pray the Lord’s Prayer… commending the world into God’s merciful care at this difficult time.”

The Rt Rev Colin Sinclair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: “At a time when normal life is falling apart it is wonderful when Christians come together.

“The Lord’s Prayer is a wonderfully comprehensive prayer and within it can be found all we need to say.”

The Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, said: “As people across the globe are in their scattered working places at home, we will have the opportunity to unite our voices in praying to God with the words that our Lord Jesus Christ taught us.”