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The Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is now affecting every part of the world, disrupting people’s lives and creating fear, anxiety, sorrow and hardship. Where can we find strength and hope at this troubling time? What might faith look like in a time of COVID-19? How might God be calling us to respond to the impacts of the pandemic?

To help Christians reflect on their faith and scriptures in the midst of the pandemic, the Anglican Alliance has produced a series of Bible studies called “Faith in the time of Coronavirus”.

In his foreword to the Bible studies, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby writes:

“I am delighted to commend to you Faith in the time of Coronavirus and am deeply grateful to the Anglican Alliance for creating this resource. In such extraordinary times, it is not only helpful but vital that we engage together with God’s Word. 

Firstly, it enables us to root ourselves in the truth of God’s utter faithfulness. We discover afresh that, in Christ, we are never abandoned but are held by God, who comes alongside us. Secondly, God’s Word calls us to action. In opening Scripture together, we are reminded that we are the body of Christ, with new opportunities to serve our communities and to witness very practically to Christ’s love. And thirdly, we are filled anew with authentic hope. We can live the present and look to the future knowing the sovereignty of God and His reconciling love. 

I pray that, through these encouraging Bible studies, we will find comfort, strength and inspiration from God’s word, and be empowered by the Spirit to share that comfort and grace in these difficult days.”

This set of Bible studies has been developed by the Anglican Alliance in consultation with a small group of biblical scholars, theologians and church leaders from across the world. The Bible studies seek to create space to bring our hopes and fears before God and build resilience and trust. They allow us to lament all that brings grief and suffering. They encourage us to reflect on how we can support those vulnerable and marginalised people who are most impacted by this crisis. Above all, the Bible studies seek to help us to find hope, in reflecting on God’s presence and love, and how God shares our sorrow and suffering and brings assurance of new life.

All across the Communion, churches are shutting their buildings as public health measures are implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19. But even if the building is closed, the Church is still there, present in – and through – the people. At this time, these Bible studies can be used by individuals, by households, and by small groups connecting via phone or online. We invite you to explore Scripture through these studies, reflecting on God’s Word in the context of Coronavirus. Further studies will be added to address new topics over the coming weeks.

The Bible study resource can be found here.

Visit the Anglican Alliance resource hub for a range of information on church responses to COVID-19.