New Zealand, along with many other countries, went on high alert at the recent swine flu scare. This was partly due to fears that one day a pandemic could break out, as devastating as the influenza that killed many millions after World War I. New Zealand health authorities drew on the work done following the outbreak of bird flu or SARS in 2005-2006, quickly quarantining all those with suspected cases. Fortunately, few cases were confirmed in New Zealand and there have been remarkably few deaths worldwide.
At the time of the SARS scare, Visionnetwork organised interdenominational meetings. A number of resources were compiled to assist churches, and these can still be accessed at Visionnetwork's website:
1. A draft letter regarding pandemics that church leaders could send to churches. (Click here.)
2. Suggested protocols for churches in the event of a pandemic or other national emergency. (Click here.)
3. Rhys Lewis, a participant in the pandemic forum, offered some additional suggestions to churches.

Some query whether the world has over-reacted in the current situation. Christianity Today magazine wrote: Christians believe that our faith helps us live bravely in the face of fear. Still, it is not easy to do so, and it's no surprise that among the people who irrationally panic in face of pandemics, many are Christians. But we do have resources that can help us to transcend fear and to experience a different type of contradiction.
Although a genuine pandemic has yet to occur this century, there are sensible measures churches can take that would be equally valuable in the event of any major natural disaster. For instance, the Evangelical Alliance in the UK called on churches to set up networks of ‘flu friends' to care for the sick in the case of a pandemic.
"Such provision will be particularly important for those who are socially isolated or vulnerable. Specifically, churches could make it possible for vulnerable people to register with them, so that church members can provide help and support if swine flu spreads," said Dr Justin Thacker, the Evangelical Alliance's Head of Theology and a former medical doctor.
"The church is uniquely placed to provide such a service for the whole community, whether Christian or not... Our primary role as evangelical churches is not to protect ourselves but to serve our communities and demonstrate the love of Christ to them."

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