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01-10-2020 | SARS-CoV-2 | Original Paper

The Faith Community and the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak: Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution?

Author: Jeff Levin

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 5/2020

Abstract

The current outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a critical moment in time for institutional religion in the USA and throughout the world. Individual clergy and congregations, across faith traditions, have been sources of misinformation and disinformation, promoting messages and actions that engender fear, animosity toward others, and unnecessary risk-taking. But there is a positive role for religion and faith-based institutions here, and many examples of leaders and organizations stepping up to contribute to the collective recovery. Personal faith and spirituality may be a source of host resistance and resilience. Religiously sponsored medical care institutions are vital to health care response efforts. Ministries and faith-based organizations are source of religious health assets that can help to meet community-wide needs. There is a pastoral role for clergy and laypeople who are instrumental in providing comfort and strength to the suffering and fearful in our midst. The outbreak presents an ethical challenge to all of us to step outside of our own preoccupations and to be present and of service for others. This includes having the courage to represent the highest values of our faith in speaking out against religiously motivated foolishness and hatred and in calling for political and public health leaders to be truthful and transparent in their messages to us.

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Title: The Faith Community and the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak: Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution?
Author: Jeff Levin
Publication date: 01-10-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Keyword: SARS-CoV-2
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-020-01048-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The Faith Community and the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak: Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution?

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

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