A historic ecumenical Easter message broadcast on French national television encouraged people to adopt “an ethic of solidarity, charity and unity” as they work to stop the spread of coronavirus.Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant co-presidents of the Council of Christian Churches of France, for the first time, aired the message as churches remained closed throughout the country.
France has been in lockdown since 17 March due to the virus, with meetings, gatherings and church services cancelled, and people allowed to leave their homes for only a few strictly-defined reasons.
“This year we are not able to gather together to celebrate Easter,” the co-presidents said in their message. “Yet our perspective is not ‘locked down’ to this medical crisis or turned in on ourselves. In the midst of this ordeal, we proclaim together our hope.”
They praised “the courage and dedication of doctors and nurses, of the personnel of hospitals, care homes and medical practices, and of scientists and researchers,” and those going to work to ensure essential tasks vital to the running of the country could continue.
The three co-presidents also expressed concern about the situation of rough sleepers and of migrants in France and at Europe’s borders.
Founded in 1987, the Council of Christian Churches of France brings together church leaders from a wide diversity of France’s Christian churches. Its three co-presidents are Rev. François Clavairoly, president of the Protestant Federation of France; Metropolitan Emmanuel, president of the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops of France; and Archbishop Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, president of the French (Roman Catholic) bishops’ conference.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who are ill, as well as to all who have lost members of their families and loved ones,” they stated in their message.
“During this time of social distancing we encourage all members of our churches to continue to create tangible signs of fellowship, an ethic of solidarity, charity and unity,” they said.
The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 350 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, from the [Lutheran] Church of Norway.
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