Pastoral care in troubled times : experiences of clergy during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) impacted and affected the social, religious, and economic life across the globe in a negative way. Most countries were obligated to implement lockdown rules which led to churches having to be shut down and effectively affecting pastoral care. In general, pastoral care takes place through social contact, where either the caregiver visits the person or is approached by the person for help and guidance.

The lockdown and social distancing had devastating consequences for the traditional way in which clergy perform their pastoral ministry. It is on the basis that this study was undertaken, to explore how the clergy were able to respond to these changed circumstances.