Persecution Watch

Tag: emergency

  • The Emergency Liturgy – Rites for times of crisis and displacement.

    The Emergency Liturgy – Rites for times of crisis and displacement.

    “`html




    The Emergency Liturgy: Rites for Times of Crisis and Displacement

    The Emergency Liturgy: Rites for Times of Crisis and Displacement

    In the face of crisis and displacement, faith communities often seek solace and guidance in traditional liturgies. However, emergencies require adaptations to accommodate unique needs and circumstances. This article explores ‘The Emergency Liturgy,’ a set of rites designed for times when individuals are displaced from their homes and religious institutions.

    “These liturgies offer a lifeline, a connection to faith and community in times when everything else has been lost.” – Rev. Dr. Sarah Lane Ritchie, director of the Center for Liturgy at Church Divinity School of the Pacific

    Origins and Evolution

    The Emergency Liturgy has its roots in the aftermath of World War II, when displaced persons found themselves without access to traditional religious services. Since then, it has evolved to address various crises, including natural disasters, political unrest, and forced migration.

    Key Elements

    • Simplicity: The liturgies are designed to be easily adapted to a wide range of situations and locations, often using minimal resources.
    • Flexibility: They can be led by lay leaders or clergy, in homes, shelters, or other makeshift places of worship.
    • Community: The liturgies emphasize the communal aspect of faith, helping to reinforce bonds among those who may have been separated from their families and support networks.

    Case Study: Refugee Camps

    In refugee camps, where religious services are often limited or unavailable, the Emergency Liturgy provides a vital connection to faith for those who have been displaced. Through these rites, individuals can find solace, comfort, and a sense of continuity in their religious practices.

    “The liturgies help us remember who we are, where we come from, and that we are part of something larger than ourselves.” – Mohammad, refugee living in a camp in Jordan

    Learn More

  • Faith Under Quarantine – Emergency powers and belief suppression

    Faith Under Quarantine – Emergency powers and belief suppression

    Faith Under Quarantine: Emergency Powers and Belief Suppression

    As the world grappled with the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, sweeping changes were adopted globally to curb the spread of the virus. Governments enacted emergency powers that, although deemed necessary for public safety, challenged the balance between health protocols and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of religion.

    Churches, Mosques, and Synagogues: The Silent Struggle

    During the height of the pandemic, places of worship were forced to close their doors in multiple countries. This move, while intended to align with public health measures, ignited debates over whether such actions severely encroached on religious freedoms. In the United States, the Supreme Court ruled in South Bay United Pentecostal Church v. Newsom that states could not treat religious institutions more harshly than secular businesses.” As Chief Justice John Roberts opined, “The Constitution principally entrusts ‘[t]he safety and the health of the people’ to the ‘politically accountable officials of the States.’” (Source: Supreme Court Opinion).

    Temporary Measures or Lasting Impact?

    While many governments insisted that restrictions on religious gatherings were temporary, the prolonged nature of these bans raised concerns about the potential for lasting impacts on religious communities. In some nations, the pandemic became a pretext for previously unprecedented restrictions on religious practices.

    “We had not witnessed such thorough surveillance of faith communities in recent times,” said Sarah Snyder, a senior Policy Analyst at the Freedom of Belief Foundation. “What began as temporary health measures morphed into sustained restrictions with little clarity on their eventual relaxation.” (Source: Freedom of Belief Foundation).

    The Resilience of Faith Communities

    Despite these challenges, many faith communities demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. Virtual services, online prayer meetings, and digital community outreach became the new norm. As reported by Reuters, “The Vatican embraced technology at an unparalleled rate, streaming papal masses and even allowing virtual pilgrimages.” (Source: Reuters).

    Nevertheless, questions remain about the potential for authorities to use health crises as a cover for belief suppression. It is critical that policy-makers worldwide reflect on the impact of these emergency measures, ensuring they do not set dangerous precedents for the future.

    As the world begins to recover from the pandemic, the question of how to balance public health with religious freedoms remains critical and highly debated. The legacy of faith under quarantine may influence the frameworks of governance, freedoms, and faith for generations to come.