[ad_1]
SALT LAKE CITY – Some of Utah’s largest church groups refuse to grant COVID-19 vaccine exemptions.
READ: Utah legislature could block government mandates on COVID vaccines
In statements to FOX 13, faith-based organizations said they told clergy and their members that this would not be allowed. Utah law allows people to apply for a vaccine exemption based on religious, medical, or personal reasons.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the dominant faith in Utah, will not grant exemption from the vaccine to anyone. A spokesperson for the faith confirmed FOX 13’s position, referring to the Church manual which states that “vaccinations given by knowledgeable health professionals protect health and preserve life. Church members are encouraged to protect themselves, their children, and their communities through vaccination. “
The manual, which serves as a guide to Church policies, said that ultimately, individuals are responsible for making their own decisions about immunization.
“If members have concerns, they should seek appropriate medical care and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as well,” the Church Manual said. “Potential missionaries who have not been vaccinated will likely be limited to missions in their home country.”
Bishop Oscar Solis of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City sent a note to all priests in Utah.
“I ask our priests NOT to grant religious exemptions for the COVID-19 vaccine,” he said in the front line.
The note cites Pope Francis, Archbishop Timothy Dolan and Archbishop Jose Gomez as authorities and urges all parishes to decline any request for a vaccine exemption letter.
“Our faith in God, our love for one another and our collective efforts are essential to provide a safe, healthy and Christian environment in our parishes, missions, schools and our society,” wrote Bishop Solis.
The Episcopal Diocese of Utah has also said it will deny any request for a vaccine exemption.
“The Episcopal Diocese of Utah does not offer a religious exemption (nor does it allow a cleric to offer an exemption) for a member of the diocese to use as a reason not to be vaccinated,” said the Bishop Scott Hayashi in a statement to FOX 13. “As a bishop, I would not recommend that anyone use being a member of our diocese as a reason not to get vaccinated. The Episcopal Diocese of Utah vigorously encouraged the vaccination of all those who are medically and legally capable of receiving the vaccine. “
Some faith groups have actively advocated for their members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Islamic Society of the Great Salt Lake has made efforts to promote vaccination among its members. Imam Yassir Butt of Masjid Al-Noor Mosque appeared in public service announcements released by the Utah Muslim Civic League and the Salt Lake County Department of Health endorsing the vaccine.
The league, a support group for Muslims in Utah, has even held COVID-19 vaccination clinics.
In an interview with FOX 13 on Tuesday where he spoke out against federal vaccine mandates, House Speaker Brad Wilson said it was a faith’s right to refuse to grant exemptions from vaccines to its members. He said religious groups were consistent in encouraging vaccination.
“I think that’s what they should be doing,” President Wilson R-Kaysville said. “Again, I’m not sure it’s the government’s job to tell religions what to do in this space.”
Read the memo from the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City on COVID-19 vaccine exemptions:
[ad_2]
Source link