A database for comparative study
Take the necessary precautions; don’t be reckless and don’t risk spreading the disease, but also don’t forget the fundamental Christian duty to help others.
The coronavirus pandemic is confusing and frightening for hundreds of millions of people. That is not surprising. Many around the world are sick and many others have died.… Read the rest
A UMC.org feature by Crystal Caviness
Even when the Rev. John Stephens quotes the Apostle Paul’s writings in Philippians 4:6 that say, “Do not be anxious about anything,” the Houston area pastor recognizes the struggle.
“One of the hardest commands is not to worry about anything,” says Stephens, senior pastor at Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Chapelwood, Texas.… Read the rest
From exercising regularly, sticking with spiritual disciplines, and eating healthfully, to enjoying hobbies, reading for pleasure, getting enough sleep, and spending time with those we love, caring for ourselves is hardest precisely when we most need to do it. Throw in the limitations of physical distancing and changes in work and family rhythms, and self-care becomes even more of a challenge.… Read the rest
The COVID-19 pandemic has upended many of our lives and required us to distance ourselves from family and friends. This comes right upon Pesach, a time when typically we gather with friends and family to celebrate freedom, eat, discuss and give thanks right in our own homes.… Read the rest
As we enter the holiday of Pesach during this time of crisis and upheaval, we are deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of some of the members of our community. The social isolation which is so necessary at this time can significantly impact a person’s mental or physical well-being.… Read the rest
[regularly updated website; copied on March 30]
#StayAtHomeSaveLives
The current NHS advice is that as individual we should stop non-essential contact (including shaking hands, hugging, kissing) and if we go outside, to keep more than 2 metres (3 steps) apart from others.… Read the rest
Originally published on theconversation.com
The coronavirus pandemic is challenging our health, work, family, food and fun. It’s also disturbing our peace of mind and forcing us to question our own existence.
We are each asking our own existential questions: Why is this happening to me?… Read the rest
Dear Friends,
We are all called to support, respond, and minister to the needs of our congregations and communities. The coming days and weeks will also demand vigilant care for nourishing ourselves so we can welcome each day with hope and faith. Now is a moment to trust God to give us large measures of gentleness and kindness, for surely they will lead us to a promised land.… Read the rest
I’m okay, if I don’t look a little closer
I’m okay if I don’t see beyond the shoreThe Indigo Girls, Perfect World
Buddhist philosophy tells us nothing about virology, public health, or how to treat respiratory illness. But it may have something to teach us about what we can learn from a pandemic, how we might best contribute to the lives of others in the context of a pandemic, and how we might develop in insight and moral sensitivity by reflecting on the pandemic and on our place in the world in which it unfolds.… Read the rest
If the government or a physician has decided that an individual must remain in isolation over the course of Yom Tov and this individual has a psychological condition where physicians who know this patient have determined that there is a possibility that this person being alone over the course of Yom Tov would be in a situation of pikuach nefesh (possible suicide) if the individual was not able to communicate or speak with family members, then the family members must reach out to this person over Yom Tov to speak on the phone or use the internet by leaving a connection open from before Yom Tov.… Read the rest
