Editorial

Abstract

The previous issue of Dare, ‘Faith Seeking Understanding’, provided a collection of theological reflections which served the purpose
of deepening faith, via a clear comprehension of the Christian faith. Nevertheless, while deliberating and reflecting the direction this edition should take, the Editorial Board of Dare would not be indifferent to the impact and effects of the novel COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters in our midst. In his encyclical, Fratelli Tutti – a letter on Fraternity and Social Friendship, the Holy Father, Pope Francis begins by stating that Saint Francis of Assis “felt himself a brother to the sun, the sea and the wind, yet he knew that he was even closer to those of his own flesh” (2). The worldwide tragedy, COVID-19 pandemic has by showing no exclusivity momentarily revived the fundamental value that we are really a global community (32). Likewise, other disasters like Cyclones Idai and Kenneth, floods, landslides, among other calamities awakened us from slumber to realise our need and concern for the other and the environment. Thus, the pandemic and calamities broke all racial, tribal, cultural, economic, social, and religious barriers and demarcations. They revealed once more the ineluctable and critical awareness to live in harmony with each other and our environment. As such, inspired by the awareness that we are a global community, this year’s edition, Continuity and Novelty
Amidst Challenges: COVID-19 and Natural Disasters seek to reflect deeper on the impact and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters on human lives, faith, and evangelization as Christians. Hence, different contributors to this present edition confirm that the presence of the pandemic in our midst has indubitably taught and still calls humanity to adopt new styles of life and new means of evangelization.