World Council of Churches
Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC, 2017
08 April 2020
On 26 March, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and
Regional Ecumenical Organizations released a historic joint pastoral
statement affirming the urgency of standing together to protect life
amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
WCC landing page: Coping with the Coronavirus
The WCC has since been gathering viewpoints from diverse regions about the importance of taking care of our one human family.
Dr Jørgen Skov Sørensen is general secretary of the Conference of European Churches.
Why did you think it was important to support the
historic statement of the Regional Ecumenical Organizations related to
the COVID-19 response?
Dr Sørensen: COVID-19 is a global
pandemic. Hence we must face it globally and act globally. Fortunately,
we have already as Regional Ecumenical Organizations a well-functioning
network which proves its worth during times like this. A key word for
the ecumenical movement has always been unity. This is a time where we
are called to not only talk about unity, but to act in a unified manner
in order to combat a life-threatening disease.
What do you think is the best outcome of the message?
Dr Sørensen: It has been important to me
that we as Regional Ecumenical Organizations with large church
constituencies behind us and together with the WCC deliver a strong
message to Christians and Christian leaders: Follow the guidelines and
rules of your local health authorities. Secondly, we know that some
religious groups (unintentionally) have caused dissemination of COVID-19
through large gatherings. I believe with this statement we undisputedly
show the wider public that we as faith-based communities and
organizations are working against the spread of the virus by not
gathering in large numbers for worship or prayers.
What is the role of the churches in your particular region at this time?
Dr Sørensen: Europe has for some time now
been the epi-centre of the outbreak. Particularly Italy, however
increasingly also Spain are suffering. Medical staff work tirelessly to
save as many lives as possible. I believe they along with responsible
decision-makers and politicians in our societies need our prayers for
wise decisions and stamina to cope with impossible working conditions.
Churches in Europe have proved creative in setting up online
alternatives to traditional worship and prayer meetings, catering for
believers who wish to spiritually support in a difficult situation. In
my view this may be the most important role of the churches in this
situation: Sharing hope and trust through the Gospel of God’s
unconditional love.
In joint statement, ecumenical organizations across the world stand together to protect life (WCC news release 26 March 2020)WCC landing page: Coping with the Coronavirus