Perceptions of COVID-19 Among Religious Leaders

The research shows how religious leaders have been affected and have attempted to adapt to COVID-19. The research was compiled of responses from religious leaders and affiliates to get a better understanding of their opinions. The data we are collecting is being analyzed so that we, the researchers, can determine if religious leaders are using their title to lead the community that follows them on the safest path or not, as well as if they are spreading an accurate message to their community about the COVID-19 Pandemic. The purpose of being able to identify how religious leaders are responding to the pandemic appropriately is a crucial telling of how we, as a country, are handling the pandemic; as well as understanding the severity of it. Where are they getting their information, is it from a reputable source? A lot of research in the past has shown how some religious leaders simply choose not to follow laws and safety guidelines under the premise of their religion and their higher power of choice. In fact, a lot of pastors have recently passed from not abiding by the guidelines put in place. It is no surprise that a lot of religious leaders would choose to listen to God over the CDC, but it is telling when these religious leaders are spreading this false hope to a community and eventually spreading the virus more. In the focus group, 327 or 976 responses believed that the media was making COVID-19 bigger than they believe it is. The amount of damage this mindset can do to a community is the reason this research study was conducted. You still have some religious leaders who believe holding a service is more important than a global pandemic. Luckily, there are still religious leaders out there who are attempting to accommodate their community during these troubled times. From virtual services to standing outside of someone’s home to preach to them, most religious leaders have been trying their best to work around this pandemic, despite how exhausting it may be on them. Out of 976 responses, from different religious leaders, more than half of them are following and listening to the CDC guidelines. This goal of this research was to show people how COVID-19 has affected religious leaders, their followers, and potentially their own religious views. Keywords: Religious leaders, Pandemic, COVID-19, Clergy, Orthodo