Help for churches as they continue to provide practical, spiritual and psychological support
The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is calling for donations in order to support the member churches in their response to the pandemic caused by Covid-19.
Many of the LWF’s 148 member churches are located and active in places that are highly vulnerable to various kinds of emergency situations, such as the current Covid-19 pandemic. The churches in these places serve as a vibrant witness through diaconal work in the wider part of society (including in hospitals, healthcare institutions, schools and through other social services).
Falling ill with the coronavirus has disproportionate consequences for vulnerable people and the churches that care for them. Our call for donations is aimed at helping these churches in the important work that they do,” said Marina Dölker, executive director of the LWF Diakonia and Development programme.
The coronavirus has disproportionate consequences for vulnerable people and the churches that care for them.Marina Dölker, executive director of the LWF Diakonia and Development programme.
In carrying out diaconal work, the member churches are often the very first to encounter local and national emergency situations, and the ones who provide support, especially to those people who live in the most remote regions of a country. The churches also know the local situation quite well and can often take immediate action in emergency situations before national or international aid reaches these places.
Responding with hope
As cases of infection and deaths increase, the churches have urged their congregation members to stay in safe places and to use soap, hand sanitiser, masks and contactless thermometers.
In cases of psychological stress, the church has the ability to “provide psychological support and counselling when it is needed. Churches can establish contact and maintain the relationships of congregation members and the community even in this challenging time,” said Dölker.
The resources that are planned to be collected in the form of donations will help churches to:
1. Continue their diaconal work, especially through healthcare services in remote communities.
2. Deepen understanding among congregation members and in their communities about Covid-19, as well as distribute life-saving equipment, such as soap, hand sanitiser and protective clothing.
3. Continue to proclaim the message of hope and solidarity in their communities, while living through this extremely difficult time.
The donations will be used only for purposes connected with Covid-19 preventive measures and the work that our churches are already carrying out where they serve. You can donate on the Lutheran World Federation website – Lutheran World Federation
Source: The Lutheran World Federation news
Photo: Photo: LWF/S. Gallay