A votive Mass “in time of pandemic” and a new prayer for Good Friday

The Congregation for Divine Worship adds an intention to the Solemn Intercessions during the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion and proposes a votive Mass taking into consideration the crisis in which the world is living.

A Joint Statement - Urgent Action Needed to Prevent COVID-19

The COVID-19 virus presents the entire world with a series of humanitarian, financial, social and political challenges, which do not spare faith-based actors and institutions.

A Message to Canadians from Religious Leaders in Canada

Canadians are experiencing the devastating impact of COVID-19 in what has become a rapidly evolving crisis. Understandably, this crisis has brought about feelings of anxiety, apprehension and fear. Critical elements of our daily lives are being thrown into uncertainty: health, employment, financial security, recreational activities, as well as our ability to gather as worshiping communities. In view of these difficulties, we as religious leaders wish to bring forward a message of hope, gratitude and solidarity to all people who call Canada home.

Ecumenical Organizations in the United States join in unprecedented call

To the leadership and members of Christian Churches in the United States of America: Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus the Christ! We come to you in a spirit of unity during this difficult period of time with an invitation to join together in witnessing to the resurrection of Jesus for all in the United States to see.

Necessary Providences for Celebrating the Holy Week, in the Light of the Threat of Coronavirus to Human Lives

It is so painful for a father (Patriarch, Bishops and Priests) to be a part from his flock (diocese and parish communities), especially that we are preparing to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but we must “adapt” our celebrations to suit these exceptional circumstances. Therefore, I would like, to share with our bishops and priests the following instructions regarding the Holy Week liturgical celebrations, which came out consistent with what we have received from the Holy See.

In the Time of COVID-19, Mass Incarceration Endangers Lives

The global COVID-19 pandemic brings with it a moral imperative to pay special attention to incarcerated persons. With over 2.3 million people in jails and prisons in the United States and hundreds of thousands in detention centers, these communities, including the staff working in these facilities, are particularly vulnerable to the impact of the COVID-19 virus.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Our Churches

Churches across the country and around the world are scrambling to adequately and effectively respond to the novel coronavirus/COVID-19, which has now caused the death of more than 100 people in the U.S. (as of this writing) with more than 5,800 people infected.

A message from the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA)

The world is facing an unprecedented situation today due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The outbreak of COVID-19 is a loud wake-up call for all countries on our planet. The proliferation of COVID-19 as well as other major epidemics such as SARS, Ebola, Nipah, and MERS since the beginning of this century have shattered several myths about threats arising from new pathogens and diseases that escalate as epidemics.

CEC calls on churches to stay united in prayers

As we all brace to fight COVID-19, being a fellowship of European churches, we reaffirm our common Christian faith based on the certainty that life is stronger than death, that Jesus Christ overcame death and the fear of it. Our faith holds us together, that is our strength.

A Statement from The Canadian Council of Churches on COVID-19

Today the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak (the new coronavirus) to be a global pandemic. In this situation as in others, The Canadian Council of Churches seeks to respond to Christ’s call for both compassion and community.

A Statement issued by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East

Since the beginning of this year, the world has been subjected to one of the most difficult temptations and health trials, inflicted by the spread of the COVID-19 (Corona) virus, which is sweeping over most countries, infecting tens of thousands of people and killing thousands of them. Our Antiochian Church co-shares these great dangers that threaten human life today.

Cyprus: Patriarchal Vicariate issues protective measures in Latin Churches

In this time of the Lent season the world lives in fear and confusion due to the fast spread of the Coronavirus. In the last few days also in Cyprus we have cases of infection. I encourage you to recite special prayers asking the Almighty to heal those who are infected and to stop the spread of this pandemic.

Statement issued by the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East concerning the Coronavirus

The fast spreading of Corona virus in many countries around the world created panic among the people; it necessitated the change of many daily customs and practices. Many faithful are raising questions concerning some ecclesiastical rituals and practices during the Holy Qurobo and church meetings.

Holy Fire Service in Jerusalem could be canceled due to coronavirus fears

Every year, thousands of Orthodox faithful from around the world flock to Jerusalem to celebrate Holy Week and Pascha. Especially beloved is the service of the descent of the Holy Fire on Holy Saturday, in which the Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem enters the Lord’s Tomb until fire descends from Heaven and lights his candles and is then spread to all the faithful.

On the First Sunday of Great Lent, February 24/ March 8, 2020, the Patriarchate celebrated as ‘Parresia’ at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre the commemoration of the restoration of the Holy Icons by the Empress Theodora and her son Michael in 842, during the Patriarchal Office of St. Methodios the Confessor.

Novel Coronavirus outbreak: Latin Patriarchate issues precautionary guidelines during celebration of Masses

The threat of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease has prompted us to issue some precautionary guidelines as this virus has rapidly spread to many areas and countries around the world.

Pope Francis says a cold is keeping him indoors; therefore he will follow the annual Spiritual Exercises from the Vatican.

Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar signed the Document on Human Fraternity on 4 February 2019. It highlights the need for a sense of fraternity amongst all men and women of goodwill who are invited to promote justice and peace, guaranteeing human rights and religious freedom.

Leaders of the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), including Global Ministries' Co-Executives, issued the following statement today in response to the Trump Administration's release on Tuesday, January 28 of its "Peace to Prosperity"

Yesterday, 28 January, President Trump of the United States of America and Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel presented a proposal for peace in Israel and Palestine – “Peace to Prosperity: A Vision to Improve the Lives of Palestinian and Israeli People”. This proposal was developed without meaningful participation by representatives of the Palestinian people, and primarily in line with long-stated Israeli objectives. It constitutes an ultimatum, rather than a real, sustainable or just solution. No just peace can be established for either Palestinians or Israelis with such a plan.