The Evangelical Alliance is calling on churches to prepare to set up networks of ‘flu friends’ to care for the sick in case of a swine flu pandemic, following Government guidance for faith communities. Dr Justin Thacker, the Evangelical Alliance’s Head of Theology and a former medical doctor said the church was uniquely placed to provide such a service for the whole community.
“Such ‘flu friends’ could visit the sick, collect medication and food, help with childcare and generally provide care,” he said.
“Such provision will be particularly important for those who are socially isolated or vulnerable. Specifically, churches could make it possible for vulnerable people to register with them, so that church members can provide help and support if swine flu spreads."
He encouraged church representatives to contact their local health practice to ask how they could best partner with them to provide help for those hit by a pandemic.
The Alliance’s response to the guidance passes on advice on how to avoid cross-infection in churches, including providing adequate hand washing facilities.
“We are thankful that swine flu has not claimed any lives in the UK, and are pleased that the Government does not see any need to close religious gatherings in the same way as some schools have been closed,” said Dr Thacker.
“But it is wise to start thinking about how churches might respond if the situation does get worse, and not just in terms of taking sensible measures to reduce the spread of infection.
“Our primary role as evangelical churches is not to protect ourselves but to serve our communities and demonstrate the love of Christ to them.”
The Alliance response follows the release of government guidance at the start of the month for faith communities and local influenza pandemic committees.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer
No responsibility or liability shall attach itself to us or to the blogspot ‘Clerical Whispers’ for any or all of the articles placed here.
The placing of an article hereupon does not necessarily imply that we agree or accept the contents of the article as being necessarily factual in theology, dogma or otherwise.
Source (CT)
SV (ED)