Encountering Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic with the Support of Religious Leaders

A pandemic creates chaos in the life and well-being of society.

One of the main cultural heights in society is in religious life. In this regard, the Ministry of Endowment and Religious Affairs – Directorate of Religious Coexistence, in collaboration with King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) and the Catholic University in Erbil (CUE) held a workshop at CUE on July 7th, 2020 on “Encountering Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic with the Support of Religious Leaders”.

His Grace, Archbishop Bashar Matti Warda, the Catholic Chaldean Archbishop of Erbil, hosted this conference. Dr. Pishtiwan Sadiq, Minister of Endowment and Religious Affairs was the chief guest of honour.

Many religious and spiritual leaders within the region, as well as academics from the local community, attended this conference at CUE. 

During the event, panelists and guest speakers discussed the role of religious leaders and religious institutions when faced with a pandemic such as Covid-19 . What have religious institutions done for their members to encourage and guide them in combating such a dangerous virus? What guidance have they given their respective communities in preventive measures and in terms of respect and social distancing from others in their community? Many topics were discussed in interfaith help and generally helping all, no matter what faith or what type of income. The consensus  was that we  all have to positively work together as one community to remain safe and to beat this virus.

When the conference closed , Archbishop Warda thanked everyone for their efforts, their concern and working as one community.