The Church Has Spectacularly Failed the COVID Test…and the Faithful

Last night, I met up with a friend I had not seen in a long time. She had texted me earlier in the week to ask some questions about the upcoming election, particularly some measures we have on the ballot here in California. It’s not odd for me to get those types of requests from friends. They all know what I do and sometimes seek help navigating the confusing ballot language (FYI: I do a simplified voter guide for Californians every election cycle, which I’ll publish this week). But the exchange took a more concerning tone when my friend, out of the blue, told me that she was really having a hard time with the lockdowns and the news cycle. She hasn’t been able to go to church and connect with people in her faith community. She’s lonely. “I don’t know where I belong,” she told me. “I’m not sure where God is in all this. I’m not sure if I even believe in God anymore.” That was all I needed to hear. It was clear to me I was talking to a friend in crisis. We arranged to meet up for a talk.-- More...