Churches Re-opening custodian
Custodian James Jimmerson disinfects pews to prevent any possible spread of the coronavirus at Belmont United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn. on Sunday, May 10, 2020, after online worship, which was recorded in the sanctuary. As churches consider returning to in-person worship, cleaning measures are one of many factors leaders will need to consider. “I believe my job, my part in this, is to make sure people are safe in here,” Mr. Jimmerson said. (Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.)
After ongoing consultations among church and healthcare leaders from many countries, the World Council of Churches has published an “Ecumenical Global Health COVID-19 Response Framework.”
The framework, which is the product of collaboration by more than 40 organizations, provides practical ways to translate the church’s prophetic voice into action in ways that demonstrate love and compassion.
“This framework organically developed from the monthly online meetings that we hold with ecumenical health partners from national Christian health associations, international Christian health organisations and regional conferences of churches from all parts of the world. Many church partners are in the forefront dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and are keen to collaborate with governmental and other stakeholders, especially to re-imagine a better post-COVID world.” said Dr Mwai Makoka, program executive for Health and Healing.
An encapsulation of faith engagement with the pandemic, the framework focuses on short- to medium-term responses to protect and preserve lives and livelihoods. It also creates a context for accelerating progress towards longer-term goals for resilience, human sustenance, and development.
The vision behind the framework embraces a holistic approach to health through mechanisms that provide accurate information, resources to promote resilience, and possibilities to assess and respond to health needs in integrated ways.
In a table format, the framework identifies core challenges and response strategies, and also recommends specific actions to advocates, practitioners, researchers, and other key stakeholders.
This ensures a tool that provides practical, simple guidelines for action through which faith communities can have an impact for their members and beyond in these challenging times.