Ban of Religious Gatherings during the COVID‑19 Pandemic: Impact on Christian Church Leaders’ Well‑Being in Ghana

Abstract

This study was conducted during a period of lockdown and ban on social gatherings, including religious gatherings, in Ghana. The restrictions were instituted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the study was to understand how the well-being of Christian church leaders was impacted during the prohibition in terms of aspects of their vocation and religious practices. Fourteen Christian church leaders located in urban and rural settings in Ghana, with 5 to 32 years of experience, discussed how they and their families were impacted by the ban on religious gatherings in Ghana. Findings revealed negative impacts of the COVID-19 restrictions, including spiritual slacking, loss of fellow ship, disruption of normal routine, pandemic anxiety, and fnancial stress. Positive impacts included increased faith, relief/reduced stress, and increased family time. These fndings are discussed from psychological trauma and disaster response perspectives