Full text of the letter from the Archbishops to the nation:
Dear friends
As
we reach the terrible milestone of 100,000 deaths from COVID-19, we
invite everyone in our nation to pause as we reflect on the enormity of
this pandemic.
100,000 isn’t just an abstract figure. Each number
is a person: someone we loved and someone who loved us. We also believe
that each of these people was known to God and cherished by God.
We
write to you then in consolation, but also in encouragement, and
ultimately in the hope of Jesus Christ. The God who comes to us in Jesus
knew grief and suffering himself. On the cross, Jesus shares the weight
of our sadness.
We therefore encourage everyone who is feeling
scared, or lost or isolated to cast their fears on God. We also know
that poorer communities, minority ethnic communities and those living
with disabilities have been afflicted disproportionately and cry out for
the healing of these inequalities. During this pandemic, we encourage
everyone to do all they can to live within the guidelines and
constraints given by government following the advice of the Chief
Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser. We show our commitment,
care and love for one another by ensuring we do everything we can to
stop the virus spreading.
None of this is easy. Very many of us
are experiencing isolation, loneliness, anxiety and despondency like
never before. Many people have lost their livelihoods. Our economy
struggles. Also, the necessary restrictions we live with have also
prevented us from being alongside loved ones as they died, or even at
their graveside. All grief profoundly affects us, but this pandemic
grief is so hard.
Therefore, we need to support each other. We do
this by following the guidelines. But we also do it by reaching out to
each other with care and kindness.
One thing we can all do is
pray. We hope it is some consolation to know that the church prays for
the life of our nation every day. Whether you’re someone of faith, or
not, we invite you to call on God in prayer. Starting on 1 February we
invite you to set aside time every evening to pray, particularly at 6pm
each day. More than ever, this is a time when we need to love each
other. Prayer is an expression of love. A number of resources will be
made available on our website.
Finally, we write of hope. We are
grateful for the hope we have because of the service of our NHS and
social care staff. What a blessing and lifeline for our nation. We are
grateful for the service given in local communities by clergy, other
frontline workers and so many good neighbours. We are grateful for the
hope of the vaccine. It is a testimony to the God-given wisdom and gifts
of scientists and researchers. We urge everyone to take the vaccine as
soon as it is offered to you.
Most of all, we have hope because
God raised Jesus from the dead. This is the Christian hope that we will
be celebrating at Easter. We live in the hope that we will share in his
resurrection. Death doesn’t have the last word. In God’s kingdom, every
tear will be wiped away.
Please be assured of our prayers. Please join us.