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World Council of Churches (WCC) acting general secretary Rev. Prof.
Dr Ioan Sauca invites all member Churches to observe a global prayer day
on 14 May 2020. The joint initiative with the members of the Higher
Committee of Human Fraternity, of which the WCC is part, is calling for
“prayer and supplication” to God for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In calling for worldwide prayer, the committee stated
in the invitation: “Each one, from wherever they are and according to
the teachings of their religion, or faith, should implore God to lift
this pandemic off us and the entire world, to rescue us all from this
adversity.” The committee’s call also emphasizes the importance of
asking God “to inspire scientists to find a cure that can turn back this
disease, and to save the whole world from the health, economic, and
human repercussions of this serious pandemic.” The committee is
suggesting a day “for fasting, works of mercy, prayers, and
supplications for the good of all humanity.” The Higher Committee of
Human Fraternity was established last year as a concrete response to the
Document on Human Fraternity signed in Abu Dhabi, February 2019.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate has also been invited to join in prayer
by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity and agreed to do so. The
Ecumenical Patriarchate calls all his children all over the world to
pray especially on Thursday, 14 May, for overcoming the crisis, for
treating patients, to strengthen the doctors, nurses, volunteers and all
those involved in this sacred endeavor. Last February the
“International Commission on Human Fraternity” invited His All-Holiness
to the anniversary conference organized in Abu Dhabi.
In his speech, the Patriarch highlighted the important role that
religions can play in promoting in world peace and respect for human
dignity, in a spirit of solidarity and the preservation of fundamental
freedoms.