WCRC responds to unfolding impact of coronavirus pandemic

“He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” —Micah 6:8 (NRSV)

In this unprecedented, rapidly changing situation, the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) holds to its commitments as a global Koinonia marked by discerning, confessing, witnessing and being reformed together.

To that end—even in the midst of an unsettled time marked by a spreading pandemic—the WCRC understands that God is at work in the world, and we must seek to understand God’s calling to us, which certainly includes caring for each other and the whole of creation.

One way in which we care for each other is through prayer, and thus the WCRC asks its members and all sisters and brothers to join in praying:

For those who are sick with the virus
For those who are sick with anxiety
For appropriate and timely governmental responses that are enacted with wisdom
For communities of care and concern that act in solidarity with each other
For a connected concerted and collaborative global effort
For those caught in the narrow confines of racism and xenophobia
For doctors, nurses and caregivers
For those without access to health care
For health organizations—national, regional, and global
For vulnerable persons and those living in vulnerable situations
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

The WCRC is gathering information from its member churches, their responses to the situations in which they find themselves, and their challenges as they work to be faithful in difficult circumstances—and would gladly hear from those who have news or needs (wcrc@wcrc.eu). Already in early February, through the Reformed Partnership Fund, the WCRC provided emergency assistance to its member, the China Christian Council, for urgent medical supplies.

The WCRC is also following the recommendations of health officials both global and national. Travel for staff and leaders is being strictly limited and “social distancing” in the Hannover, Germany, office is being practiced. At this point, it is anticipated that the office will remain open, but contingencies have been put in place in the event that staff become sick or are required to work from home. Early next week the WCRC will announce plans for upcoming meetings and events over the next period.

The WCRC will continue to respond, focused on God’s call to justice and compassion, putting care for the most affected and vulnerable at the centre of our prayers and actions.