ABSTRACT
In this essay, we draw from the life and the times of the Rev. Francis Grimké, pastor of the Fifteenth Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC, to offer insights regarding what we might learn from the influenza pandemic of 1918 to 1920 to help refine our religious responses to the twin pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism. Of particular interest is a sermon Grimké delivered on November 3, 1918. We draw from his reflections to propose ways to navigate COVID and the post-COVID world.
