Sanctuary
Red Letter Christians pose a challenge for followers of Jesus during the coronavirus pandemic in their April 21 devotion.
Even in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, United Methodists are looking out for society’s most vulnerable people. Its latest “Faith in Action” newsletter from the General Board of Church and Society is a prime example:
“What we're talking about now
"Advocacy Amid the Pandemic "This pandemic, like many so-called natural disasters, has laid bare the pre-existing injustices upon which our social, economic, and political structures have been built," writes John Hill, Deputy General Secretary.
"Collaboration can help eradicate COVID-19 Rev. Dr. Liberato C. Bautista, Assistant General Secretary for United Nations and International Affairs, writes that we are all called to participate in healing COVID-19.
"Lit Live: A Conversation with SBC21 Rev. Neal Christie, Assistant General Secretary, joined Nathalie Nelson Parker of Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st century (SBC21) and Rev. Kevin Kosh, Jackson State University to talk about how you can advocate for justice in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic."
Kudos to Church and Society for continuing its ministry in creative ways despite coronavirus restrictions.
More NCC devotions by United Methodists
United Methodists continue to provide uplifting devotions for the National Council of Churches’ daily series of spiritual encouragement during the coronavirus pandemic. So far in the past week, the NCC has featured:
- Dr. Glory Dharmaraj’s meditation on The Lord’s Prayer that appeared first on United Methodist Insight;
- Gil Hanke, top executive of United Methodist Men, on the truth that nothing – not even COVID-19 – can separate us from God’s love.
- Rev. David Williams, retired UMC missionary, meditating on 1 Corinthians 1:27-28, about God choosing “weak, foolish things” to show God’s love for the world.
Our thanks to the NCC for offering spiritual sustenance during this frightening time, and for giving United Methodists the opportunity to share our faith with others. Sign up for the NCC’s daily email devotionals.
More intercultural help from UM & Global
A major challenge for The United Methodist Church in the coronavirus future looms the issue of intercultural competence. We’ve already seen evidence of this quest for broader participation in decision-making through the proposals about the UMC’s future from General Conference delegates in the Philippines and Africa. Now Dr. David W. Scott highlights another perspective: how cultures other than the United States view disease. In a recent post, Recommended Reading on Differing Cultural Understandings of Disease, Dr. Scott encourages folks to read a post from Church and Society intern Rev. Esther Inuwa titled "A United Methodist Reflections on COVID-19 in Nigeria." Dr. Scott writes:
“While the post can be read for its connection to the current pandemic, it is most insightful as a window into the ways in which disease is understood differently and therefore produces different responses in a non-Western culture than in Western culture. Rev. Inuwa, a native of Nigeria currently studying in the US, is to be commended for her informed and accessible depiction of Nigerian cultural understandings of disease, understandings that differ significantly from those common in the United States. …
Citing his recent posts on the works of Hofstede and Meyer on differing cultural values, Dr. Scott adds, “They are not just about values but about the mental schemas that people use to make sense of the world around them. Rev. Inuwa's piece therefore further shows the challenge of being an international, intercultural church.”
Sounds like these are good articles to read while persevering through shelter-in-place.
Media Mentions as of April 21, 2020
Another UK based Zimbabwean nurse succumbs to coronavirus – New Zimbabwe.com
Do we do everything in our power to lower the COVID-19 infection rate? – Religion News Service
'Conquering Coronavirus' book reveals how faith is inspiring hope – Religion News Service
How abortion, guns and church closings made coronavirus a culture war – The New York Times*
One Harlem church. Nine coronavirus deaths – CNN
N.J. lawmaker launches online petition for religious services to resume – Bridgewater Courier News*
Pastor facing arrest warrant for allegedly backing his church bus toward a protester over coronavirus – The Washington Post*
If liquor stores are essential, why isn’t church?The New York Times*
Christian groups that resist public-health guidelines are forgetting a key part of the religion’s historyTIME*Honk twice for hallelujah: Church at a safe distance, in the parking lotThe New Yorker*
Opposing church closures becomes new religious freedom cause– NPR
Trump consults faith leaders on phased-in reopening – The Associated Press
From The Marshall Project: Kentucky judge backs Democratic governor in lawsuit brought by church officials who sued seeking a religious exemption from “shelter” rules. – Lexington Herald-Leader
From the Marshall Project: Poll shows little public support for the fringe protests or a quick resumption of commerce, even among Republicans. – Slate
From the Marshal Project: “Jesus is my vaccine,” says a sign in Pennsylvania. Protests continue, but Facebook begins to take down notices for gatherings that violate “shelter” orders. CNN
No, the coronavirus is not an act of God – Church Times*
From the New York Times Daily Briefing: “At least 26,000 more people have died over the past month than have been officially reported, a review of mortality data in 11 countries shows. The totals include deaths directly caused by Covid-19, as well as those stemming from other illnesses that couldn’t be treated by overwhelmed health care systems.”
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.