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COVID-19: Exploring Faith Dimensions
WEEKLY HIGHLIGHT
#210 Government Support for and Restrictions on Religious Practice; COVID-19, Mental Health, and Gender-Based Violence

Among many religious practices disrupted by the COVID-19 emergencies, the hajj has particular practical and symbolic importance. Despite hopes that many Muslims from around the world would be able to make the pilgrimage this year, uncertainties abound as to who will be able to participate.

Continuing debates around the appropriateness and legality of government restrictions on religious practice were the focus of an action by Ohio lawmakers that called for Canada to be included on the U.S. watchlist on religious freedom restrictions because of COVID-19 measures. According to the National Post, “The motion cites cases where church leaders like Alberta’s James Coates were charged and/or jailed temporarily for repeatedly flouting public-health rules that affected services at the height of the pandemic. Those measures, which paralleled restrictions placed on other, non-religious venues, make Canada akin to one of the most repressive countries in the world when it comes to religious practice, declared a Republican representative who co-sponsored the motion.”

An article on treating cancer patients suggests new perspectives on links between medical practice and religion linked to COVID-19 experience: “Times of crises are reminders of humans’ need for social connection; they are often a time when people reconnect with their faith. The Covid-19 pandemic has been a collective crisis that brings into stark focus our need for community amid the forced isolation. For many people, faith and religion have been ways to maintain social connection and cope with the stress of the pandemic.”

An article by our team was published this week in Development in Practice. A review of trends from academic articles published on religions and the COVID-19 pandemic between March 2020 and October 2021, it focuses on mental health and gender-based violence. Authors Susanna Trotta, Olivia Wilkinson, and Katherine Marshall demonstrate that “the literature shows that the use of religion and spiritual support as a coping mechanism when experiencing mental health issues and/or being exposed to gender-based violence are key topics for religions and COVID-19 research, but that neither topic is always appropriately considered when planning and implementing public health interventions.”
 

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