PRAYER BOOK REFLECTS ON PANDEMIC

A new prayer book, Voices of Lament, Hope and Courage, was published by the World Council of Churches in March, marking a year since the World Health Organisation declared the spread of Covid-19 a pandemic.

Initially published as a guide to the WCC’s “Week of Prayer in the Time of the Covid-19 Pandemic” from March 22-27, the book is also a resource for local, regional and global gatherings throughout the year.

The publication offers prayers from across the world representing diverse denominations. A special section also includes information for action by churches, communities and individuals who want to make a difference for the most vulnerable in their societies.

In the section “Prayers of Hope,” we are invited to pray: “God of hope, our hearts overflow with gratitude for your abiding presence during these exceedingly difficult and troubled times. May the flames of hope remain aglow among individuals, families, communities and nations during the pandemic.”

You can download the book free from www.oikoumene.org/resources/publications/ voices-of-lament-hope-and-courage (WCC)

VACCINE DISCUSSIONS

The World Council of Churches (WCC) acting general secretary the Rev Prof Dr Ioan Sauca participated in a virtual “High-Level Dialogue on Multi-religious Response to COVID-19 Vaccine” on March 19 with Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), as well as leaders from other religious groups.

The dialogue, convened by Religions for Peace, explored how religious groups can constructively use their societal influence toward furthering WHO’s global vaccine efforts. Discussions centred around ways to provide accurate information about Covid-19 vaccines, as well as ways to demonstrate and model ongoing Covid-19 prevention efforts.

Dr Sauca reflected that, since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the WCC has been actively engaging with its member churches and partners on how they respond together.

“The WCC has been grateful to work with the World Health Organisation to provide inputs from a faith perspective as guidelines change, vaccines roll out, and injustices are exacerbated by this pandemic that has affected us all, in every corner of the world,” he said. “We also continue to promote health education and behavioural change in faith communities with regard to Covid-19 response and prevention, and vaccine acceptability and accessibility in particular.”

The WCC continues to mount advocacy campaigns calling for the availability of vaccines throughout the world, Sauca added.

“We are concerned that vulnerable people and nations continue to be shut out of vaccine rollouts,” he said. “Working with our Christian health networks and faith based partners, we will keep pressing for vaccine equity and education.”

In February, the WCC called on religious leaders to build trust in vaccines and combat misinformation amongst their own communities. Dr Sauca said: “As a Christian fellowship, it is our duty and moral obligation to publicly challenge rumours and myths and help people access the facts. While moral and ethical concerns also loom over vaccine access and distribution practices, we must take up responsibility and advocate for what is right from a medical, ethical and human rights perspective.” (WCC)

LUTHERAN COVID RESPONSE

Implementation of a second phase of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Covid-19 Rapid Response Fund (RRF) has begun, with 44 of the communion’s member churches providing pastoral care and basic survival support to vulnerable communities still struggling to cope with the prolonged impact of the pandemic.

The churches in 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Central Eastern Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean are prioritising a wide range of support including ensuring safe working and living conditions for seniors and care providers in nursing homes. They are also delivering food packages to migrant workers, offering psychosocial assistance to families suffering from the trauma of domestic violence, and creating online communication platforms, among other activities.

While most of the support goes toward building on churches’ response in the first RRF phase, others have requested assistance due to growing demand for additional material and support to first-line responders and families affected by Covid-19. “One year into the pandemic, it is clear that most, or almost all, people around the globe have experienced its impact on their lives. It is heartbreaking to see that those who were facing harsh economic realities before are particularly hit hard by reduced incomes,” says Rebekka Meissner, LWF program executive for Member Church Projects. “It is therefore encouraging to see churches prioritise the ongoing and emerging needs in their own communities, even though they themselves are struggling to cope.”

By the end of 2020, the LWF had approved more than 100 projects in both phases, amounting to a total of €550,000. Funding comes from LWF member churches, partner organisations, private donations and internal reallocations. (LWF)

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