UK Church called to prayer in response to Covid crisis

 (Photo: Unsplash/Martin Sanchez)

The UK Church is being asked to unite in prayer for the world's poorest nations that are struggling as a result of Covid-19. 

Stewardship is asking churches across the UK to join in prayer for the global crisis on Sunday 13 September. 

It is partnering with Christian humanitarian agencies Tearfund, World Vision, A21 and Open Doors, as well as charities based in Lebanon, Brazil, South Africa and India as part of its Global Rapid Response Campaign

A new webinar is being posted to the campaign page every Thursday afternoon highlighting the stories of frontline charity workers and local church leaders tackling Covid in their communities.

Pastors in the UK are being asked to show a short video at church this Sunday featuring spoken word artist Kenneth Omole.

Stewardship is hoping to inspire more UK Christians to pray and intercede on behalf of communities worldwide facing huge social and economic challenges because of the pandemic. 

Stewart McCulloch, CEO of Stewardship said: "Covid-19 will have and is already having a disproportionate impact on the world's poorest and most vulnerable people and yet our UK media is occupied with domestic issues.

"We hear little of the international impact where our brothers and sisters face the trauma of crisis upon crisis. We have spoken to Christians all over the world; I was most struck by those in Beirut and Yemen who risk their lives every day to bring help and hope to their neighbours.

"In turn we are called to help them carry on their life saving ministries."

The call comes after World Vision warned that 1.6 billion worldwide could die in second waves if governments do not take steps now to help vulnerable communities.

Research by the development agency found that the British public was broadly supportive of an increase to UK Government spending on overseas aid to fight Covid worldwide. 

World Vision's head of policy Gareth Wallace said: "A coronavirus outbreak in any part of the world puts us all in danger.

"If the disease is not eradicated, it will pose a perpetual threat to the world's poorest people and those living in wealthy countries alike.

"Defeating it depends on reaching the most vulnerable communities in every country."

News
Christian ethos in NI schools will be maintained, Education Minister promises after RE ruling
Christian ethos in NI schools will be maintained, Education Minister promises after RE ruling

Some schools were concerned that they could not put on the traditional Nativity play after the UK Supreme Court ruling.

What is Advent Sunday and why do churches mark it?
What is Advent Sunday and why do churches mark it?

The fourth Sunday before Christmas is called Advent Sunday. It falls at the start of December, or sometimes as in 2025, at the end of November. In churches of many denominations, Advent marks the coming of the Christmas season. This is the story …

Who was St Andrew and why is he important?
Who was St Andrew and why is he important?

30 November is St Andrew’s day. He was the brother of St Peter, the first of Jesus’s disciples, and later an Apostle. This is the story …

Kidnapped Anglican priest dies in captivity in Nigeria
Kidnapped Anglican priest dies in captivity in Nigeria

Amid a rash of mass kidnappings in Nigeria, an Anglican priest in Nigeria abducted along with his wife and daughter has died in captivity, leaders of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion announced on Wednesday.