65 church projects in 40 countries in the first phase
(LWI) – The Lutheran World Federation has launched the second phase of its COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund (RRF) in order to continue supporting member churches that are still grappling with the social, spiritual and economic challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The generous support of LWF partners and congregations made it possible to fund 65 church projects in the first phase of the Rapid Response Fund,” said Eva Christina Nilsson, Director of the LWF Department for Theology, Mission and Justice.
We became richer for seeing the significant changes that the churches are bringing to their communities. Eva Christina Nilsson, Director of the LWF Department for Theology, Mission and Justice
“We became richer for seeing the significant changes that the churches are bringing to their communities,” Nilsson added. By mid-October, the first RRF appeal for donations had collected roughly EUR 560,000 from LWF partners, member churches, private donations and internal financial reallocation.
The impact of the pandemic on every country and on the world — more than 40.6 million cases, including more than 1.1 million deaths, with the numbers continuing to rise — is unfolding alongside injustice and conflict in many regions of the world, Nilsson noted. These uncertainties call for “mutual solidarity” and an encouragement to “create hope, share courage and compassion.”
Help for vulnerable families
The churches’ response to COVID-19 has been varied. So says Marina Dölker, LWF Program Coordinator for Diakonia and Development, who coordinated the first phase of the RRF. For the most part there have been preventive measures, such as the distribution of face masks, soap for handwashing and hygiene kits, the provision of food supplies, and support for microenterprises. The churches have also set up online worship services and communication platforms as alternatives to the in-person contact and other regular congregational activities that have been suspended for a time.
Many LWF member churches are still helping especially vulnerable members of the community, including poor families, the elderly, children, students and indigenous communities.
Several countries around the world are easing the precautionary measures that governments had put in place to reduce the risk posed by COVID-19. However, “the care and recovery phase calls for a long-term approach, and it is in this area that the support of the Lutheran communion is important,” Nilsson added.
The application deadline for the second phase of the LWF RRF is 15 November. Interested churches are invited to submit their requests using the LWF online project application platform.
GENEVA, Switzerland
| 22/10/2020
Source: Lutheran World Federation