24 April 2020
CEC resources: Church response to COVID-19
WCC resources on coping with the Coronavirus
The Conference of European Churches
Thematic Group on Human Rights has reflected on freedom of religion or
belief during the fight against COVID-19.
“This year Christians in many countries are
prevented from gathering in person to commemorate and celebrate in
Easter services the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus
Christ,” reads the document. “The protection of the weak and vulnerable
is also a very high value from a religious perspective and needs to be
balanced against the need for community and gathering.”
It is important to acknowledge that the
prohibition of assemblies is not meant as religious discrimination and
persecution, continues the document. "At present this measure is
intended to safeguard human lives, both of the believers and of other
members of society,” reads the text. "However, all restrictions of
fundamental rights must have a legal base, be necessary, suitable,
reasonable and generally proportionate in relation to the aim they serve
and the right they limit.”
WCC resources on coping with the Coronavirus