'Everyone matters equally'

Bishop John speaks in House of Lords on pandemic fears as church issues special prayers

 

“In a pandemic all people matter equally.“  That was the message of Bishop John Packer, speaking both in the House of Lords, and on BBC R4’s Sunday programme in response to the emergence of swine-flu, and questions about the response and role of faith communities in the event of a pandemic.

In a speech in the House of Lords, Bishop John said that it was important that people should not be panicked. “I am very grateful for the measured government response to the current flu threat, both in calling for vigilance and in combating irrational panic. It is crucial that, should there be a pandemic, anyone infected stays at home. It is equally crucial that those not infected continue both to work and to support those who are ill.”

Bishop John also drew attention to a newly produced Government paper, Faith Communities and Pandemic Flu, which made he said, important recommendations for churches. “The prayer and worship of faith communities matters crucially. That would provide support for those who are ill and strength for those not infected to provide help for others. I particularly commend, from that document and elsewhere, the development of flu-friend networks which can be based in churches, mosques or other faith communities or elsewhere whereby there is organised provision to collect antivirals for vulnerable people.” 

He added that, in the event of pandemic, churches may need to make changes. “It is important that faith communities consider how to adapt their own ceremonies should a pandemic arise, such as, in the Christian community, the receiving of communion in bread alone without the use of a common cup during such a period.”

Bishop John told the House of Lords that said one of the church’s main concerns was that all should be treated equally. “I remain haunted by that government assertion that everyone matters equally. There are many in this country for whom it does not feel like that. This Sunday, I shall be worshipping at St Hilda’s, Cross Green, in Leeds, where there is a particular ministry to asylum seekers, some of whom are terrified by fear of the authorities. In a situation such as that of a pandemic, there will be a particular responsibility on faith communities both to affirm that ethical affirmation of DCLoG and to care for those who often feel themselves to be rejected by others.”

Prayers

The Church of England has published the following selection of prayers for use in churches from this weekend, in light of the developing situation regarding influenza A/H1N1 ('swine flu').

These have been prepared in line with the Church’s practice of regularly publishing prayers on topics of contemporary concern. They are available at: www.cofe.anglican.org/worship/prayers/

Advice and information from the NHS on swine flu is available here, while more details on the Church's response can be found here.

GENERAL PRAYERS

Heavenly Father,

giver of life and health:

comfort and restore those who are sick,

that they may be strengthened in their weakness

and have confidence in your unfailing love;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Creator and Father of all,

we pray for those who are ill.

Bless them, and those who serve their needs,

that they may put their whole trust in you

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

FOR THE PEOPLE OF MEXICO

Sovereign God,

the defence of those who trust in you

and the strength of those who suffer:

look with mercy on the people of Mexico:

   bring healing to those infected with the virus,

   give wisdom and insight to doctors, nurses and health professionals,

   and bring calm and peace to all within the nation,

through our mighty Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE CONTRACTED THE VIRUS

The almighty Lord,

who is a strong tower for all who put their trust in him,

whom all things in heaven, on earth, and under the earth obey,

be now and evermore your defence.

May you believe and trust that the only name under heaven

given for health and salvation

is the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

May our Lord Jesus Christ,

who healed the sick and brought comfort to those in need,

by his risen presence be with all who have contracted this virus,

take from them all that harms and hinders them,

and fill them with his healing and his peace.

Amen.

 

The general prayers and prayers for those who have contracted the virus are adapted from ‘Common Worship’, published by the Archbishops’ Council.