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Ministering at the Margins in a Time of Pandemic
Author(s) -
Goatley David Emmanuel
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the ecumenical review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.104
H-Index - 7
eISSN - 1758-6623
pISSN - 0013-0796
DOI - 10.1111/erev.12547
Subject(s) - injustice , empowerment , solidarity , political science , oppression , pandemic , sociology , racism , vulnerability (computing) , gender studies , criminology , development economics , covid-19 , law , medicine , politics , computer security , disease , pathology , computer science , infectious disease (medical specialty) , economics
COVID‐19 is having a devastating effect globally, especially among those who live at the margins of societies. Health and economic crises are impacting communities and countries, with particularly adverse effects on vulnerable populations. COVID‐19’s impact is increased when we factor in racism, land displacement, and gender injustice. The marginalization and oppression experienced from racial injustice, displacement, and gender injustice increase vulnerability and intensify trauma from COVID‐19 globally. Churches can respond effectively to the COVID‐19 pandemic with particular focus on communities at the margins. Churches that respond to COVID‐19 through ministries of evangelism, compassion, empowerment, and advocacy can demonstrate Christ’s love in the midst of the pandemic and contribute to reconciliation and solidarity with vulnerable communities forced to the margins. This article offers insights related to four themes identified by the reference group for the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace that was initiated at the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Busan in 2013.