Westberg Institute Community
The heart of the faith community nursing movement, Acting locally, inspiring globally.
COVID and Vaccines
This post from Amy Hanson has been copied from the old yammer platform.
• I have been contacted by a local church regarding the requests they are receiving from parishioners to obtain a letter to present to their employer and/or university stating that "based on religious beliefs, the individual is not required to take a COVID-19 Vaccine. Are there any resources that are available in relation to this? The church has historically not taken a stance on vaccines and would like to continue to to remain neutral in their stance. Any insight or resources are appreciated.
Bernadette Macy
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July 15 at 08:31 AM
Maybe more discussion & education is needed regarding the science, explaining how the polio and smallpox vaccines eradicated those serious viruses. Also, if they don't want to protect themselves , explain how it would be a charitable act for them to get the vaccine to protect others --how people without symptoms spread the virus to others. Pope Francis stated "I believe that morally everyone must take the vaccine".
Amy Hanson
Thank you for everyone for your response and comments. I agree that this role for a church puts them in a difficult position. I'm so thankful to have this group as a resource. I reached out to an HR friend as well and she provided me with this reference which may be a resource that is helpful to others. https://www.venable.com/insights/publications/2021/06/employers-guide-to-the-religious-exemption
Attached link:https://www.venable.com/insights/publications/2021/06/employers-guide-to-the-religious-exemption. Click to open in new tab.
www.venable.com