Belgian Religious Leaders Call for Unity Amid Coronavirus Crisis

It is in a joint statement that the heads of worship have invited citizens to mutual aid, love and solidarity in the face of an invisible enemy, but one that is causing enough damage around the world. "What we are experiencing is unprecedented. We thought that such events could no longer occur in a developed society like ours," write the heads of worship.

"Covid-19 takes away this illusion: we do not control everything, we are fragile and vulnerable beings, not only here or there, but everywhere in the world," they add, however rejoicing that such a tragedy has awakened in every person a surge of solidarity. They also express all their esteem for those who are resolutely fighting the virus and have a special thought for all those who are fighting to survive, reports lalibre.be.

While recognizing the urgency of the hour and the restrictions that the situation imposes with the closure of mosques, churches, synagogues, the heads of worship, in their message, invite citizens, each according to their tradition, to pray for the sick, the dying and the caregivers. "We also hope that once the crisis is over, we will not forget too quickly what has happened to us. For whoever forgets, increases his fragility. This crisis can open our eyes and help us to review our priorities, both in our private life and in social life," they conclude.

The joint statement is signed on behalf of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities, by Cardinal Jozef De Kesel (Catholic Church), Pastor Steven Fuite (United Protestant Church of Belgium), the Chief Rabbi of Brussels, Albert Guigui, Dr. Geert W. Lorein (Federal Synod of Protestant and Evangelical Churches of Belgium), the President of the Central Israelite Consistory of Belgium, Philippe Markiewicz, Canon Dr. Jack McDonald (Central Committee of the Anglican Worship in Belgium), the President of the Executive of Muslims of Belgium (EMB), Mehmet Üstün and the Metropolitan, Athenagoras Peckstadt (Orthodox Church).