Faith-Based Response to Epidemics + Pandemics
THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH
Our role in responding to epidemics, as churches, dioceses and compassionate Christians, is to combat fear with knowledge in order to encourage preparedness and decrease stigma, maintain operational continuity and continue worship life in the case of potential quarantine and disruption, and show God’s compassion and care to those in our communities who are affected.
GUIDELINES
During disasters and pandemics, remember this acronym: C.I.A.–Community, Information and Agency. As church and community leaders, support your community, maintain connection throughout the event, provide your community with verified information about the health and safety implications of the event, and ultimately, allow your community members to decide what’s best for them.
Connect with local public health authorities to learn about the level of risk in your area and what restrictions are in place. For those in active ministry, we reiterate what the CDC recommends:
- Wash your hands often
- Avoid close contact
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Clean and disinfect
- Monitor your health daily
TOOLS AND INFORMATION
Episcopal Relief & Development is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic around the world. Explore the following resources to learn more about our relief efforts and to find out how you can continue your ministry to vulnerable communities during the pandemic.
COVID-19 Pandemic Response
Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with local organizations in the United States and around the world to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resource Library
Episcopal Relief & Development offers diverse resources for disaster preparedness and response, clergy care and formation for adults and children. Explore the Resource Library to find tools for many different occasions.
Webinars
During these moments of uncertainty and widespread fear, Episcopal Relief & Development is gathering friends from different areas of expertise to discuss the effect of COVID-19 on various communities and industries.
Tools For Maintaining Community
Here is a selection of Bible Studies and other remote ministry tools to help communities stay connected during the pandemic.
The Episcopal Asset Map
Across the Church, there are individuals, churches, and institutions that represent an abundance of gifts. The Episcopal Asset Map, a joint project of The Episcopal Church and Episcopal Relief & Development, highlights and connects our stories into one searchable site.
Why Prepare?
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, disasters are still happening and preparedness continues to be necessary. Learn more about how disasters affect you and your neighbors.