A Theological Statement on the Coronavirus Pandemic

Abstract

This Statement is a response to the challenge that the church and Christian communities around the world face as a result of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic and the regulations that have been imposed in order to control the spread of infections The paper starts off by explaining that pandemics may be a challenge and an opportunity to the faith Special attention is paid to the coronavirus pandemic, its origins, the effectonpublic health systems around the world, and itsimpactonthe socio-economic livelihoods;the role of medical health scientists and the breakdown and disruption of communities, the economic arrangements of states It also raises questions about the possibility of a new world order that seeks a more equal, compassionate and humane world On that basis, the paper raises some pertinent theological questions that arise for the church and for faith communities It explores and examines theological questions that arise out of a world that is broken and suffering, beset by devastation and yet called to live the faith responsibly and truthfully The questions that arise are preeminently about God and the meaning of the divine and how God manifests Good during dark times The paper raises some of the dilemmas that traditional faith practices are confronted by the pandemic especially in areas like worship, the sacraments and understanding the value of technology in the practice of the faith Finally, the paper explores implications for the life of the church, especially in the moral life of the Christian community and the dilemmas posed by public ethics © KONINKLIJKE BRILL NV, LEIDEN, 2020