Covid-19: EU Christian
leaders call for unity and solidarity
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| A volunteer hands out breakfast to a man in Rome |
Catholic and Protestant leaders in Europe call for renewed
commitment to European values and solidarity in the face of the Covid-19
coronavirus pandemic.
By Devin Watkins
The presidents of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences
of the European Union (COMECE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC)
issued a joint statement on Thursday amidst the coronavirus outbreak.
Entitled “Let Us Remain United”, the statement is signed by
COMECE President Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, SJ, and CEC President Rev.
Christian Krieger.
Europe put to the test
Europe has been hard hit by Covid-19. Over 420,000 cases
have been reported, and more than 30,000 people have died from the coronavirus
in Europe.
Italy and Spain are the worst-affected EU nations, with
around 100,000 cases apiece.
The joint statement acknowledges the human and economic
toll. “Putting to the test every person, family, and community, the present
crisis has exposed the vulnerabilities and apparent certainties of our
policies, economics, and societies.”
The EU’s border-free Schengen Area even shut its external
borders for 30 days to contain the virus’ spread.
Rediscovering solidarity and charity
Yet in the face of such an unprecedented situation, Europe’s
Christian leaders say these “trying times are allowing us to rediscover our
common humanity as brothers and sisters.”
They also thank the many people who inspire others with
their acts of charity and solidarity, including the selfless service of medical
personnel, providers of basic services, law enforcement personnel, and agents
of pastoral care.
“We wish to pray for all the people who are suffering during
this crisis – in particular the sick, the elderly, the poor, the excluded, and
children experiencing family instability,” as well as all of those who have
died.
Concrete signs of EU responsibility
The Catholic and Protestant leaders also urge EU
decision-makers and member states “to continue acting in a determined, transparent,
empathetic, and democratic way.” They pray for wisdom and strength for all
European leaders.
Finally, church leaders call for “concrete expressions” of
shared European responsibility.
These, they say, could include “burden-sharing in the care for
the sick, a facilitated exchange of medical materials, creative measures
alleviating social, economic, and financial shocks, as well as reinforced
international cooperation and humanitarian assistance to support weaker health
systems in needy regions of the world.”
Remain united
As Christians journey through Lent toward Easter, Catholic
and Protestant leaders ask everyone to consider “this time of trial as a time
of grace and hope.”
“Let us remain united and make our closeness felt to all,
especially those in need.”
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