World outbreak 6-3-2020
As of June 3, 2020, the World Health Organization reports the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has spread throughout the entire world, with only a exceptions. (WHO Map)
A word that crops up often these days in faith-based social action discussions is “intersectionality.” It refers to the links between issues, such as when a racism events like the police killing of George Floyd is found to relate to other issues or events, such as the coronavirus pandemic and the climate crisis.
This week the New York Times’ “ClimateFWD” newsletter asked black climate activists about the relationship between racism and the climate crisis, of which the coronavirus pandemic is part. Writer Somini Sengupta quotes three activists, whose paraphrased comments bring perspectives for United Methodists to consider. (Sign up for the Times’ climate newsletter.)
Sam Grant, executive director of MN350.org, the Minnesota affiliate of the international climate activist group 350.org: “Police violence is an aspect of a broader pattern of structural violence, which the climate crisis is a manifestation of. Healing structural violence is actually in the best interest of all human beings.”
Robert D. Bullard, a Texas Southern University professor who has written for more than 30 years about the need to redress environmental racism: “I’d like to see these [white mainstream environmental] groups start to embrace this whole concept of justice, fairness and equity. Those statements need to be followed up with a concerted effort to address the underlying conditions that make for despair.”
Heather McGhee a senior fellow at Demos, a nonpartisan research and advocacy group: “This conversation is a police brutality conversation on top of a Covid-19 conversation, and it all adds up to a devaluation of black life. That’s what climate change is as well, because of environmental racism. We’ve got to divest from systems that are killing us and costing us, and invest in our people and our planet.”
To build on these ideas in your congregation, check out these United Methodist resources regarding racism, climate change and intersectionality:
- The Building of Bridges to Community, a discussion guide, General Commission on Religion and Race.
- Faith and Facts Card on Climate Justice, General Board of Church and Society
- Environmental Racism in the US, 2016 Book of Resolutions, #1025
Coronavirus Status Report
As of June 3, 2020, there were 1,827,425 U.S. cases of COVID-19, an increase of some 24,000 infected persons from the day before, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There have been 106,202 U.S. deaths attributed to COVID-19, although public health officials say that number may be too low as more is discovered about how the virus kills.
The Hill, an online journal, reports that “nearly 26,000 nursing home residents across the country have died from COVID-19, federal officials said Monday, the first public acknowledgement about the scope of the disease in the care facilities. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), states reported more than 60,000 cases of the coronavirus among nursing home residents, and the numbers are likely higher.”
Also, a new study has found no evidence that hydroxychloroquine, a drug used to treat malaria, helps to prevent COVID-19.
Food insecurity under COVID-19
The coronavirus pandemic’s lockdowns, along with the unemployment they have spawned, have caused food insecurity and hunger all over the world. The General Board of Church and Society will explore this pandemic effect at 2 p.m. EDT Thursday, June 4 in its next free webinar, "From the Earth to the Table: Food Insecurity during COVID-19.”
To aid Americans facing food insecurity, the Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe, Church and Society’s top executive, recommends United Methodists write to Congress urging:
- Increase SNAP benefits by 15%;
- Increase the minimum monthly SNAP benefit from $16 to $30;
- Suspend all administrative SNAP rule changes indefinitely, during this time of economic distress and long-term recovery.
Summer camp canceled in Eastern Pennsylvania
Church camp forms a key rite of passage for many Christian families and a foundational formation setting for many children and youths. Sadly this year there will likely be no church camps anywhere in the United States, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.
The decision to close church camps proved particularly agonizing for the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference, which made the decision on May 29. According to a report in the NEWSpirit newsletter by communications director John W. Coleman, “Eastern PA is reportedly among the last conferences in the United Methodist connection to close its camps for the summer. The decision was delayed until the site directors received and carefully examined complex mitigation guidelines provided by Governor Tom Wolf and the state's Public Health Commissioner, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and the American Camping Association, which is the camps' accrediting body.”
Rev. Coleman’s report continued: “’This is a tough decision because our summer camps are so beloved and offer such foundational experiences in the lives of children and youth,’ said the Rev. Don Keller, camping board chair. ‘It's a real loss to our families and churches, as well as our staff and volunteers who play such essential roles in this life-changing ministry. But we must make the health of everyone our primary concern and not take any chances with this devastating virus.’
In addition to closing its camps, the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference office is closed until further notice because of the coronavirus.
Media Mentions as of June 2, 2020
For most churchgoers, controversy between religious freedom and public health is not real – USA TODAY
US faith leaders wrestle twin traumas in protests, virus – Porterville Recorder
Federal judge denies bid to expand religious services – Delaware State News
CDC reopening guidance included church choir warning – Longview News-Journal
Roberts Upholds COVID-19 Restrictions on Churches, Scolds Kavanaugh – Slate Magazine
U.S. faith leaders lead congregations through tumultuous time – The Associated Press
For top U.S. virus experts, faith and science work together – The Associated Press
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.