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COVID-19: Exploring Faith Dimensions
WEEKLY HIGHLIGHT
#204
Rising COVID-19 Waves and Decreasing Religious Education in Church

While in some world regions the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be receding, in others infections are on the rise, and once again religious gatherings seem to be playing a significant part. South Africa has been experiencing warning signs of a fifth COVID-19 wave over the last week, according to the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation. Various religious holidays and associated social gatherings related to Easter, Ramadan, and Passover could have been a trigger for the spike over the last two weeks, leading to a test positivity rate of 18%.

A new report from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research shows dramatic disruptions to religious education classes (such as Sunday School for adults and children) as fewer attend or volunteer. Their March 2022 online survey sampled a total of 31 Christian denominational groups and 615 responses. The survey showed clearly that religious educational programming has been sluggish to adapt and recover from the pandemic. The initial survey conducted in summer 2021 showed youth participation has decreased in 60% of churches and adult involvement in religious education dropped in 51% of congregations. The March 2022 survey showed 46% of churches agree that their religious educational programming has continued without major disruption throughout the pandemic, while about 50% disagreed.

The COVID-19 emergencies continue to test the limits on government restrictions of religious practice. In reaction to recently implemented restrictions, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Egypt to end restrictions on prayers, gatherings, and practices that limit  the freedom of Muslims while they celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Egypt’s Ministry of Religious Endowments said these restrictions were imposed on worshipers due to concern over the spread of COVID-19. According to HRW North Africa Director Joe Stork, “Limits on religious practices should only be allowed if they are strictly necessary for public health and safety. These restrictions on the free exercise of religion appear to be completely arbitrary, yet another display of the Egyptian government’s lack of tolerance for free expression across the board.” Additionally, Egypt ranks 136 out of 139 countries in the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index for 2021. This includes low scores in regulatory enforcement and civil justice.

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