As the number of COVID-19 cases surpasses the 100 million mark, the Baptist World Alliance is issuing a call to Baptists around the world to stand together in combatting this global pandemic. Members of the Baptist World Alliance Forum for Aid and Development (BFAD), an international network of more than 25 aid agencies, have collaborated on a statement outlining key calls to action.
"We acknowledge the solidarity shared by the millions of Baptists and non-Baptists alike in the face of the suffering caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic. As we move into 2021, we also recognize our responsibility to participate in the solution to this crisis," said Rachel Conway-Doel, BFAD Facilitator.
The four-fold action plan includes:
Calling for the cooperation of governments to support systems of coordinated mass vaccination and enhance access to vaccinations through aid and economic innovations;
Urging Baptists globally to participate in enabling global vaccination;
Repudiating unhelpful narratives associated with mass vaccination and asking Baptists and all people of goodwill to do so as well; and
Issuing a clarion call for just access to available COVID-19 vaccines globally, including six specific steps of justice necessary for equitable global access and a shared solidarity in addressing a global pandemic.
"We stand together both in prayerful lament for the many who have been impacted by this disease but also in hopeful expectation that we can make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable by choosing equity and justice at this crucial time," said Elijah Brown, BWA General Secretary.
Baptists worldwide are invited to join this advocacy movement by signing a petition calling for equitable distribution of the vaccine by February 10, 2021. Already signed by global Baptist leaders from every region, the petition will be sent to government leaders.
To learn more about this initiative or to sign the petition, visit BaptistWorld.org. To find out more about BFAD, whose members have mobilized more than $1.5 million USD in COVID-19 aid and relief over the last year, visit BaptistWorld.org/bfad.
Media Contact: J. Merritt Johnston Director of Communications & Media Phone: +1 (214) 577-9187 Email: communications@baptistworld.org
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