“THE PANDEMIC IS LIKE A SIEVE”: INVESTIGATING THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH’S RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 CRISIS

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global crisis that has brought about changes on a massive scale, with economic, political and social implications. Individuals, communities and institutions are made to reconsider, relook and rethink what is truly essential. The crisis is similar to a sieve, separating the necessary from the unnecessary. The religious arena is of particular interest to shed light into the adaptations and changes experienced from the private individual to corporate body in a common set of values and belief. In this paper, I ask the question: How does the Protestant Christian Church in Singapore respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and how does the pandemic further shape the Church. A full ethnographic study on a local church was done. This consists of in-depth interviews conducted with relevant key personnel in the church, alongside with participant observation at the church premises. The Church’s response is anchored upon its relations with the government, alongside with social aspects like intrachurch and inter-church relations. Additional challenges pertaining the faith were also surfaced as an issue that would require time to work on in the long run, alongside with existing logistical issues. In writing this thesis, it hopes to inspire more Christians to see the crisis as an opportunity for them to reconsider their faith, in hopes that they will take more ownership of their faith.