As the world searches for ways to navigate an evolving health crisis, many religious communities have been exploring the role they can play. Interfaith alliances are considering this question through a variety of panels and initiatives involving faith leaders of all kinds.

“Humanity today is faced with an unprecedented global pandemic,” remarked Bani Dugal, Principal Representative of the Baha’i International Community to the United Nations, in a statement to the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities. 

“Yet this is not a moment of hopelessness,” Ms. Dugal stated. “Opportunities unbounded present themselves to demonstrate the nobility of the human spirit and to find creative ways to express it.”

On the contribution to be made by faith communities, Ms. Dugal shared, “Faith leaders and their communities have a key role to play in upholding the role of scientific inquiry, reinforcing the advice of capable public health authorities, and counteracting rumor and misinformation.” 

She added that, “They can also be central in extending concern beyond individual well-being, to that of the entire human family, united in experience.”

At an Interfaith Moment of Hope and Solidarity hosted by Religions for Peace, leaders from diverse religious traditions were asked to guide global believers in a moment of shared humanity calling for health, compassion, and strength. 

“The world stands more and more in need of the hope and the strength of spirit that faith imparts,” stated Ms. Dugal, who highlighted humanity’s interconnectedness and shared destiny in responding to the pandemic.

“Let us then with confidence affirm that however difficult matters are at present, and however close to the limits of their endurance some sections of societies are brought, humanity will ultimately pass through this ordeal, and it will emerge on the other side with greater insight and with a deeper appreciation of its inherent oneness and interdependence.” 

A video recording of the event can be found here.