‘Join Forces’ Focusing on Battle against COVID-19, Secretary-General Appeals to Christian, Muslim, Jewish Religious Leaders in Holiday Message

‘Together, We Can and Will Defeat This Virus’, United Nations Chief Stresses, Calling for Renewed Faith in Common Humanity

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message to mark Easter, Passover and Ramadan:  renewing faith in our common humanity in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, in New York today:

Today, I want to make a special appeal to religious leaders of all faiths to join forces to work for peace around the world and focus on our common battle to defeat COVID-19.  I do so at a special time on the spiritual calendar.

For Christians, it is the celebration of Easter.  Jews are marking Passover.  And soon, Muslims will begin the holy month of Ramadan.  I extend my warmest wishes to all those observing these important moments.

We have always known these occasions to be moments of community.  Of families coming together.  Of hugs and handshakes and the gathering of humanity.

But, this is a time like no other.  We are all seeking to navigate a strange, surreal world.  A world of silent streets.  Shuttered storefronts.  Empty places of worship.  And a world of worry.  We are worried about our loved ones who are equally worried about us.

How do we celebrate at a time like this?  Let us all take inspiration from the essence of these holy occasions as moments for reflection, remembrance and renewal.  As we reflect, let us spare a special thought for heroic health workers on the front lines battling this awful virus and for all those working to keep our cities and towns going.  Let us remember the most vulnerable of the vulnerable around the world.  Those in war zones and refugee camps and slums and all those places least equipped to fight the virus.

And let us renew our faith in one another and draw strength from the good that is gathering in troubled times as communities of diverse faiths and ethical traditions unite to care for one another.  Together, we can and will defeat this virus — with cooperation, solidarity and faith in our common humanity.