“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials” (1 Peter 1:6)
Under the current circumstances caused by the Covid-19, staying at home is a safe way to avoid the spreading of the disease and the chances of getting infected. By taking this measure, we are encouraged to care for ourselves, our friends, and our family. Also, we are encouraged to show solidarity with those who have essential services jobs. In Brazil, staying at home is viewed as a political act and even as a civil disobedience.
Social distancing does not affect countries with high inequality incomes, such as Brazil, in the same way that it does in other countries. Many people have no home or live crammed into urban spaces, and cannot afford basic elements of health, drinking water, or house cleaning supplies. Furthermore, personal hygiene products are beyond their reach. Without a minimum income, many families experience food and nutrition insecurity. The role of women is highlighted because they are the head of solidarity networks that help communities living on the outskirts to survive.
It is urgent to consider the fact that this country is multicultural. Cultural diversity calls for different ways of care and attention. For example, at the south of the country, winter is coming. This is a time hard for indigenous communities. This year, these communities will be more vulnerable than what they already are since the pandemic has caused the sales of their products to come to a halt. The same happens with other communities that are vulnerable, such as the quilombolas, the social and solidarity economy, and family farms, among others. Such and other facts reveal, with increasing horror, that Brazil´s social and economic inequalities are aggravated by gender and race.
Let´s think thoroughly about race and gender inequalities, which characterize Brazil´s society, and which make women -especially black women- more vulnerable to the infection and to the pandemic´s socio economic effects. Black women are more vulnerable because they are the ones who live below the level of poverty in Brazil.
Based on the Women´s report, published at the end of March by the UN Women, women represent 70% of health workers who are fighting against the COVID19´s crisis. In the case of Brazil, women represent 85% of the group of nursery professionals. This percentage is highly exposed to contamination and, in many cities, it lacks personal protective equipment. On top of that, women must do household chores and take care of the family´s children and elders.
During these times of quarantine, we can reflect on how we interact with others. Think on why it is not tolerated for violence and authoritarianism to be accepted as normal ways to solve domestic issues. It is crucial that men reflect on their behavior and modify it, which will help them reduce their toxic masculinity. Male violence and authoritarianism are the result of the patriarchal culture. For a man, such characteristics are not impossible to change. As a man, Jesus was not violent nor authoritarian. He was an inspiration to change toxic masculinity.
Religious leaders are key to change the lives of people who are constantly experiencing painful situations. These leaders must strengthen their roles as active listeners. Under this pandemic, faith-based and human rights organizations are redirecting their actions. The pandemic puts a spotlight on the already existing patriarchal, capitalist, sexist and racist systems. Such systems need to be overcome. An action related to the ecumenical diakonia and that involves gender justice aims to address different aspects of social distancing. The ecumenical diakonia challenges us to share resources, knowledge, capabilities, and experiences. Although we are a church that involves different denominations, our faith is with Jesus Christ. Faith-based organizations carry out their diaconal actions led by this very same faith, as they walk towards a humanity less unequal and violent.
The diakonia tells us that everyone is created in the image and likeness of God. The values of the ecumenical diakonia include compassion, mercy, solidarity, and love for our neighbors (see Matthew 25:25-45.) All human actions that go against the principle of love and solidarity are to be viewed as a sin. Conversely, any action that is solidary, regardless of whether it is based on a specific type of faith, is to be viewed as an ally. These are the actions that must be embraced to reach for a future in which everyone takes part in the creation and society is cared for. The point is to move towards a world where everyone is equal, a world of sharing and joy that will never adopt the values and inequalities of capitalism.
The times we are living in are difficult. It is time to face challenges. It is a time of sorrow and pain. It is a time of deprivations. Our job is to proclaim love and enforce justice during this painful reality. God asks us to protect life and democracy. Silence is related to actions of injustice. The prophecy turns into the verb “to wait,” “to picture moments of joy and laughter.” It is time to create cooperation and solidarity networks that bring the so necessary changes of transformation.
April 28, 2020
ACT Brazil Ecumenical Forum.
The forum consists of 23 religious organizations, including 7 churches. The forum has existed for 18 years under its current name and it promotes actions not only in the State at a democratic and secular level, but also within the State´s legal system. It is an ecumenical opinion that nobody can be left out of our planet and our cause. We are all part of the same future and Common House.
The forum is part of the ACT Alliance, a coalition whose headquarter office is located in Geneva, Switzerland. The Alliance has 151 church and faith-based organizations, which work together in more than 125 countries.
Translation: Camila Felix, Freelance Translator