As countries around the world attempt to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, we’re working hard to ensure that freedom of religion or belief is also protected. The danger is that authoritarian governments could exploit the pandemic to consolidate their power even further, or to legitimise crackdowns on targeted faith communities.

We are campaigning for prisoners who are at greatest risk – such as Pastor Nadarkhani and Pastor Haghnejad in Iran – to be released unconditionally. We are lobbying the UK government to provide assistance to Rohingyas and Kachins who have been forced to flee their homes because of attacks by the Burmese military. At the same time, we are continuing to speak up for the groups and individuals we were helping before this crisis hit.

• Pray that official restrictions on freedom of religion or belief would not be used to discriminate against particular communities, and that they would be lifted as soon as they’re no longer needed to control the spread of the virus.
• Ask God to use the United Nations Human Rights Council to hold governments to account for any abuses of human rights during the pandemic and beyond.
• Ask God to intervene to ensure that the pandemic does not worsen existing religious intolerance and division.
• Give thanks for CSW’s Public Affairs Team as it works with country advocates to provide policy-makers around the world with the information they need to address religious freedom violations.

‘The pandemic has caused a flare-up in existing religious intolerance in many countries. I am alarmed to see the upsurge in incitement to hatred, scapegoating religious or belief communities, including Christians, Jews, and Muslims for the spread of virus.’ – Ahmed Shaheed, UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief

Heavenly Father, you are above all rulers, nations and principalities, and we call out to you to instil wisdom, truth and justice in the hearts of all those in positions of authority. Move by your Holy Spirit to convict governments and leaders to act justly and love mercy, not seeking their own desires and ambitions, but serving for the good of their citizens. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Download a printable copy of this week’s Prayer Diary.