Dr. Dube’s presentation about her experience with religious leaders in Africa when dealing with the HIV pandemic was very impactful. I was impressed with her ability to work with these religious leaders and come to an understanding and build trust in the community. Once Dr. Dube built this trust, she made meaningful changes in the community. She helped save lives by changing the narrative and educating people about HIV and the best way to deal with it.
I could not help but see the parallels between the COVID pandemic and religious leaders in our country. During the pandemic, I remember a heated debate regarding lockdowns and people’s right to go to their religious institutions for worship. Certain communities were having weddings and religious gatherings despite COVID protocols. This raised supreme court questions, which often ruled in favor of religious protections.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/18/nyregion/nyc-covid-hasidic-wedding.html
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/12/15/churches-take-covid-19-supreme-court-sides-religious-freedom/3813310001/
Our country would have greatly benefited if we had someone like Dr. Dube reaching out to these communities and having serious conversations about COVID-19 and safety. Often, these communities were chastised and looked down upon, which did not help build trust, but rather mistrust. Instead of chastising communities, open and honest communication is the answer, preferably from someone who is a part of their community. We need leaders who unite our citizens, like Dr. Dube, not divide them further. If not, communities will not trust the public health authorities as they should. This mistrust will lead to more unnecessary deaths during public health emergencies.
Pandemic Reflections
CFDE University Course, Fall 2022 (GRAD 700) convened by Dr. Jodie Guest
Great emphasis on the detrimental effects on public trust caused by chastising any one community – in this case, the religious community. Such a tactic only serves to belittle the significance of their religious life, which definitely does not help unite the country in our response to the pandemic. As you said, it will only widen the rift between the religious community and the general public.
Great post NIcholas. Your conversation about trust and safety is an important one when discussing religion and pandemics. I wonder who specifically was chastising religious communities in your view? And what would be your counter argument to “God will protect me?”