The major gathering of Anglican bishops was going to take place this summer, in the midst of theological tensions. “The health and safety of our attendees is our utmost priority”, the organisers said.

The Pope is offering an outpouring of indulgences. The message that Roman Catholicism is giving in these weeks of coronavirus crisis is a disarming detachment from the basic principles of the biblical faith.

The World Evangelical Alliance has designated Sunday 29th March. Many national movements are sharing prayer guides, creative initiatives and calls to action.

Christian doctors, nurses and other health care workers tell us how they are living the coronavirus crisis.

The confinement in our homes is forcing millions to stop abruptly, cancel all our plans, and take time to look in the mirror.

“We need to realise that behind the trends, ideologies and mindsets that we face, there are spiritual realities”, says the general secretary of the Swedish Evangelical Alliance.

The Italian Evangelical Alliance issued an appeal to all evangelical churches, ministries, and believers to join together on March 22nd to pray in unity, asking God to be revealed in this very moment.

Christians in various countries mention the loneliness in times of confinement and the needs of the elderly, as priorities to be addressed in the coming weeks of crisis.

The Chinese Christian Church in Spain closely follows the religious freedom changes happening in its home country. “The government wants all evangelical churches to be subject to the organisation of the Three Autonomies”.

Prayer and pastoral care online, workshops, Instagram humor, are some of the responses to the first days of confinement.

Christians face the challenge of acting creatively as millions enter phase of confinement. “It might shape some of the future offers of our churches”.

Martin Luther encouraged believers to obey quarantine orders, fumigate their houses, and take precautions to avoid spreading the sickness. Anything less was ‘tempting God’.

Eight European countries have already declared the state of emergency, banned or strongly restricted the entrance of foreigners, and asked citizens to stay at home.

Worship songs are heard in balconies, online communities are organised, and a Day of National Prayer has been called for next Sunday.

Schools and other public services have been closed. Hundreds of thousands confined in some regions. Evangelicals suspend all services and meetings and call to pray according to Psalm 91.

Norbert Valley had been previously condemned for breaking the Foreigners Law for offering lodging to a Togolese man. “We must work to change the law”, the pastor said as he left the courts.

Overall, only 57% of Europeans see religious freedom as a “very important” right, much behind fair judiciary (87%), gender equality (85%), free internet (69%) and others.

I lead a congregation in Rome that thrives on handshakes, greet kisses, and physical contact. This winter, the coronavirus has taught Italians the cautions of distance and isolation.

“Religious freedom, must include recognition of the right to protect life and to advocate against its termination, both in words and deeds”, the WEA says at the UN Human Rights Council.

Germany, France, Portugal, Finland and Luxembourg agreed to receive unaccompanied minors stuck in Greek refugee camps, in the midst of the Turkey-Greece border refugee crisis.

Pastors of the Chinese Christian Church in Spain explain how they handle the Covid-19 crisis. “At work, we notice discrimination. Many think that the Chinese are carriers of the virus”.

The alarming trends among teenagers have forced experts to raise their voice. Evangelical author Olof Edsinger: “Of course, there is a theological truth, but science really goes a long way in challenging the queer and trans ideology”.

Covid-19 deaths rise to over 360 as Italy becomes the second most affected country in the world. Italian evangelical leaders advice churches to follow the recommendations of the authorities and pray for “a spiritual and social revival with lasting effects”.

The country with more abortions is France (224,000). England and Wales reached their highest figures. Germany and Spain increased the number of abortions below 2%.

The last decade has seen a worsening of the working conditions which affect “family relationships”, says Jonathan Tame. The near future will probably be shaped by the ‘gig economy’ and the re-balancing of global capitalism.