While some parts of the Communion have been living with the reality of COVID-19 for a few months, others have seen a rapid acceleration in infections, public anxiety and government response more recently. At the Anglican Alliance we have been monitoring the situation closely. Last Friday we held a call with the East Asia Anglican Alliance Forum and were profoundly inspired by what we learned on the responses of their churches. On Monday 16 March, we will have a global consultation to draw together lessons learned so far. We will publish this on our website, with links to various resources from around the Communion.
Each context is different and each church is working with its own government on the appropriate national response. It is a time of deep anxiety for many, but also a time when we as churches must respond by sustaining community and building hope, while working for prevention, care and support for the most vulnerable. We also are deeply mindful at this time of those who are already – and always – at risk: the elderly, the homeless, those displaced from home, affected by poverty, hunger and other diseases, or afflicted by conflict.
As Christians we are called to be one, as Christ and the Father are one. We are called to embrace our calling as Christ’s disciples, loving one another and showing compassion for our neighbours and those who are most in need in our communities and in our world.
In the coming days and weeks, the Anglican Alliance will share helpful and encouraging examples of how the churches around the Communion are responding to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). We will also share links to resources, bible studies, etc. that can be adapted for different contexts, so that we can learn from one another.
Christ is with us as we journey on together.
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
Reflection by Revd. Canon Rachel Carnegie, Executive Director, Anglican Alliance
