WCC News: New guide covers role of faith communities in Ebola response

A “Q&A Guide to Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease and the Role of Faith Communities,” prepared by the World Council of Churches Commission of the Churches on Health and Healing, is newly available.  A worker uses an infrared thermometer to check for fever on everyone entering a clinic in Beni, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo that has been hard hit by the Ebola outbreak that began in 2018. The clinic is supported by IMA World Health and the Programme de Promotion de Soins Santé Primaires. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 02 November 2026 The outbreak that began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in May has spread to neighbouring countries. More than 10,000 people are now affected, and about half of them have died.  “Churches and faith communities are often the most trusted voices in the affected areas, and that gives them an important part in the response,” said Dr Manoj Kurian, director of the commission. “They can share accurate information, counter fear and stigma, support safe and dignified burials, and help sick people get early care.” The guide covers how Ebola spreads and how it doesn’t, its symptoms, and the current state of vaccines and treatment. It also offers a theological reflection that firmly rejects the idea that illness is a punishment from God, and it includes practical guidance for congregations. Q&A Guide to Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease and the Role of Faith Communities See more

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 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland