We all share a responsibility to care for those most at risk

Canon David Stevens, Acting Archdeacon of Doncaster and Vicar of Doncaster Minster

Social distancing, self-isolating, Covid-19 and coronavirus dominate the news, our thinking and conversations.

We have, in the last week, had unprecedent government interventions that have reshaped day-to-day life in our town, and I am sure many of us are fearful and anxious over what is happening.

The motivation for these new restrictive measures is, of course, a sense of care for the common good and especially for those most vulnerable. All of us in this time of challenge need to be acutely aware of the responsibility we carry to care for those who are most at risk.

My heart has been lifted by how Doncaster communities and organisations are being imaginative in how we fulfil that responsibility. Daily we hear of people finding new ways to keep in contact, and to provide care for each other. It is with that same spirit of community that we will come through this incredible challenge.

As a Christian leader, I, along with all people of faith, in these difficult times, find our strength, consolation and hope in prayer. This is therefore an occasion for all of us to pray more intensely for each other and especially for those who have succumbed to the illness.

God of compassion, be close to those who are ill, afraid or in isolation. In their loneliness, be their consolation; in their anxiety, be their hope; in their darkness, be their light; through him who suffered alone on the cross, but reigns with you in glory, Christ our Lord. Amen.

We should also pray and offer our thanks for those at the frontlines, especially medical staff and other carers and support staff too. Praying God will protect them all as they place their own wellbeing at risk in the service of all.

Our gratitude should also be for the many occupations maintaining the essential goods and services needed by our communities, and who are also working under intense pressure and risk at this time too.

My prayer, as vicar of Doncaster Minster, is you all keep safe, and that God’s immeasurable love for us will continue to enfold, protect, and uphold all the people of Doncaster in this time of trial and will be a light in the darkness.