Religious Leaders’ Perspectives on Rural Communities’ Responses During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the USA

The COVID-19 pandemic posed risks to the health and wellness of individuals and communities. Qualitative interviews based on the health belief model were conducted to gain insight into the perspectives of 17 leaders serving in rural Christian, Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim communities in the USA regarding their communities’ responses during the pandemic. Nine themes emerged from the narrative data using phenomenological thematic analysis: Some people are more susceptible, Test of faith, Fear and anxiety, Staying connected, Will people follow the protocols? Science and faith can co-exist, Responsibility to self and others, We’ve had to adjust, and We’ve had to dispense of that. The religious leaders provided support and hope, adapted religious and social activities, and used faith and religious tenets as foundational principles to encourage compliance with health recommendations.