Since March, people in the United States have been struggling with the severe consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. The virus continues to spiral out of control as many states experience record numbers of confirmed infections and hospitalizations. The outlook for eradicating, or even controlling the spread of, COVID-19, is poor. During this critical time, faith communities have an important role to play in keeping people healthy.
Many have turned to their faith for hope, strength, and spiritual stamina. Faith has inspired a sense of solidarity and a desire to serve others in their time of need. It is important for us all to support one another. While the Tri-City Interfaith Council includes diverse faith traditions, we share a belief in a higher power and that all of humanity is one. We all deserve to be treated with respect and love, regardless of race, religion, gender, or other differences.
While some of us may call upon our Creator to protect and help us in our times of despair, we also know that we have been given the capacity to use reason to gain knowledge. We can understand and manage illnesses and employ proven methods for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Science is our physical ally in combating this pandemic. It is important that our religious leaders and institutions take action to educate their faith communities on what public health agencies are recommending for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19. As science continues to learn more about this novel coronavirus, it is crucial to follow directives in order to protect human health and lives.
The directives may seem inconvenient or difficult, but the magnitude of COVID-19’s spread is extensive. Taking the extra steps to prevent transmission of the novel coronavirus is essential. These include sheltering-in-place, physical distancing, wearing face masks, and washing hands.
It’s important that we express appreciation for essential workers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect and care for us, as well as provide services that we need. They all deserve our prayers, support, protection, and cooperation.
As we continue together through this difficult time, let us be mindful of the needs of our fellow human beings. We believe that all life is precious, everyone deserves care, love and respect, and we must do the best we can to protect each other.
Many have turned to their faith for hope, strength, and spiritual stamina. Faith has inspired a sense of solidarity and a desire to serve others in their time of need. It is important for us all to support one another. While the Tri-City Interfaith Council includes diverse faith traditions, we share a belief in a higher power and that all of humanity is one. We all deserve to be treated with respect and love, regardless of race, religion, gender, or other differences.
While some of us may call upon our Creator to protect and help us in our times of despair, we also know that we have been given the capacity to use reason to gain knowledge. We can understand and manage illnesses and employ proven methods for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Science is our physical ally in combating this pandemic. It is important that our religious leaders and institutions take action to educate their faith communities on what public health agencies are recommending for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19. As science continues to learn more about this novel coronavirus, it is crucial to follow directives in order to protect human health and lives.
The directives may seem inconvenient or difficult, but the magnitude of COVID-19’s spread is extensive. Taking the extra steps to prevent transmission of the novel coronavirus is essential. These include sheltering-in-place, physical distancing, wearing face masks, and washing hands.
It’s important that we express appreciation for essential workers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect and care for us, as well as provide services that we need. They all deserve our prayers, support, protection, and cooperation.
As we continue together through this difficult time, let us be mindful of the needs of our fellow human beings. We believe that all life is precious, everyone deserves care, love and respect, and we must do the best we can to protect each other.