Why should faith groups care about a pandemic?

The last time a severe flu pandemic hit Canada was in 1918, killing 50,000 Canadians. When it hits again, the Public Health Agency of Canada estimates it will kill between 11,000 to 58,000 Canadians and that 2.1 million to five million will get sick.

Photo: CMBS archives

During the 1918 pandemic, entire cities simply shut down. In Winnipeg, businesses, theatres, and churches were closed for 46 days. If nobody goes to worship for one to three months – the estimated time it takes a pandemic to sweep the nation – who will put money in the offering plate so groups can pay the bills?

More importantly, places of worship need to think about the most vulnerable members of their congregations – the elderly, shut-ins, single parent families, or those without nearby family support. Randy Hull, who directs emergency preparedness for the city of Winnipeg, says that “city services will be stretched. Volunteers from places of worship will have a very large role to play in helping their own memberships – knowing who they are, and checking in on them.”

Faith groups can prepare by making a comprehensive list of people who might need assistance during a pandemic, along with a list of those who will check in on them. It could start with the clergy, and include deacons or other caregivers.

Places of worship can also be of service to the larger community by providing a list of retired nurses, doctors, and other volunteers to local or provincial government emergency preparedness organizations. As well, places of worship could serve as temporary shelters during the pandemic.

Finally, faith communities can make plans to provide emotional and spiritual care, particularly in helping people deal with the deaths of loved ones.

—JL