The Church After COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented and challenging time for people worldwide. Faith-based communities felt a profound impact, as we grappled with the inability to attend church, connect with fellow believers, and experience the warmth of our community. Some individuals even defied local authorities and regulations in search of normalcy and hope amidst the chaos [1]. This situation left us longing for change and hoping for a future where faith and science collaborate to care for our communities. As we reflect on the experiences that shaped us during the pandemic, we are inspired by Roger Abbot's article "Pastoral Care for the Common Good," [2} which offers a sensible solution to the challenges we faced as a church during this time.
Those uncertain years made us acutely aware of our mortality and vulnerability. The fear of infecting others or contracting the virus ourselves robbed us of peace and the fundamental relational values that define our humanity. While virtual meetings provided some solace [3], the challenges highlighted the importance of finding new ways to support each other during crises. Mental health issues also surfaced for many believers due to social isolation and uncertainty. In his article, Roger Abbot reminds us of the crucial role pastors play as key workers, providing essential support and care during such trying times. Recognizing the significance of pastors in offering spiritual guidance, emotional support, and mental well-being is vital. Therefore, granting pastors 'key worker' status would be necessary and responsible, enabling them to enhance their ability to offer essential assistance to those in need during challenging times.
Moreover, Roger highlights in the paper that churches should not have been closed during the period, and that it was illegal for the government to do so (as found in a Scottish court case in 2021 [4] and elsewhere in Europe), adding another layer of consideration. The 'essential' status should have been applied to churches and other places of worship, not just church ministers. It was bizarre for churches to accept that a gathering in a supermarket on a Sunday was 'essential' but their gathering was not, thereby showing our lack of belief in Matthew 4:4 and disobedience of Hebrews 10:25. The wider mental health crisis within society is the result of policymakers elevating their (flawed) prescription for physical health over that of relational and spiritual health.
Regardless of political leaning or belief system, we can all agree that both the church and science must explore new avenues to address the challenges we faced during those years. In light of this, I would like to invite you to read this article and reflect on the significance and implications of pastoral care for everyone.
Ruben Alarcon
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[4] https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/closure-scottish-churches-during-pandemic-23786617
The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect those of the Jubilee Centre or its trustees.