Theological and practical challenges in the Covid-19 pandemic. Case studies applied to the Evangelical Community of Romania and Worldwide
Theological and practical challenges in the Covid-19 pandemic. Case studies applied to the Evangelical Community of Romania and Worldwide

Summary/Abstract: The Covid-19 pandemic has a spiritual dimension. From a theological point of view, this pandemic recalls the issue of theodicy and God’s sovereignty, however, the theological and practical challenges are diverse. This research analyses how the Evangelical Community of Romania and worldwide managed to give a response to this pandemic in its early stage. Every religious community had to face this pandemic considering its core beliefs. Among the theological challenges, this pandemic brings into attention the issue of religious freedom and the relation between Church and State. Although from a legal point of view, religious freedom is not officially restricted, due to the social distancing that is needed during the military ordinances, the freedom to corporate worships is inevitably affected. In society, there is a debate on whether this represents a limitation or a violation of human rights. Another theological challenge that Romanian Evangelical Community faced is related to Lord’s Supper. As corporate worship is restricted, the Communion cannot be celebrated as an event in the fellowship of the Church. The debate is whether in unique times like these, the event should be celebrated in a family setting or to be postponed for times in which legal restrictions will be canceled. Among other practical challenges, the Evangelical Community had to consider issues related to the environment, methodological challenges for church ministry, spiritual opportunity during isolation, and financial challenges.

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