Covid-19 Vaccine Recommendation to the Interdenominational Evangelical Churches
2021-12-03

Covid-19 Vaccine Recommendation to the Interdenominational Evangelical Churches

Since many churches have already issued their recommendations on this topic, and positions are stated, sometimes extreme, we also decided to state the recommended attitude to the current situation, in the grace of the Lord!
  • Vaccination and immunology is a medical practice, does not have a religious component and does not interfere with the expression of religious freedom. There are no theological barriers or recommendations in the Bible for vaccination or forbidding it.
  • The need for vaccination should be a matter of personal choice for each person (for minors and persons with limited liability, the choice of their parents or guardians) based on consultation with healthcare professionals.
  • Church officials are not specialists in the field of vaccination. Therefore, the responsibility for resolving this issue for believers should not be placed on the pastor, minister, church or denomination. Pastors may give advice based on the principles of faith and common sense, but they must always emphasize that each person has the right to choose and is responsible for his choice.
  • Regarding the ethics of a particular vaccine, the immunization system, and additional questions that may arise in this area, we recommend relying on trusted sources, and not on gossip or rumors, unverified social media posts, or individuals directly or indirectly connected with the medical system. It should be remembered that we find the foundations of faith in the Bible, and basic health issues in evidence-based medicine.
  • Any decision of a person about vaccination does not deprive him of the opportunity to believe in God, to receive and understand the preaching of His Word, to expect His wisdom and miracles. The fact that a person uses the achievements of modern medicine does not deprive him of the right to pray for health and healing.
  • Considering that many people have endangered their health or even gone ‘prematurely’ into eternity, the church has a special responsibility in spiritual and other forms of support for the suffering, serving them and caring for them.
  • The Interdenominational UEC of Protestants calls for honesty of both doctors and those who are vaccinated. We declare that we are against fakes and the so-called pseudo-vaccination. We are for high-quality storage of effective vaccines, an honest approach to people with contraindications, and real assistance in case of complications as a result of vaccination.
  • The Church stands on the truth and does not support various teachings that lead people astray and fear. We do not believe that vaccination is chipping or accepting the "number of the beast" referred to in the Bible, or a secret worldwide conspiracy.
  • Vaccination is not a sin, a sign of distrust of God or apostasy from Him. The view of vaccination and its consequences does not address issues of both salvation and eternal life.
  • Restrictive measures (lockdowns and others) should be determined precisely by the urgent need to save the lives of patients, generated by the crisis state of the healthcare system, and not by the conjuncture or anyone's private interests. The authorities of the Russian Federation are responsible for resolving issues of vaccination without violence, without inciting hostility between opposing positions on these complex issues, preserving and respecting the rights of every person, which are guaranteed by the Constitution of the Russian Federation.
  • We acknowledge that the Lord has supreme authority. It is He who raises kings and overthrows them in due time, controlling and directing everything that happens in the history of mankind. To Him be glory and power forever!

An appeal to members of the churches of the Moscow Association UECB Churches.

Christians should not show disdain for those who were vaccinated or those who refused to be vaccinated, should not humiliate or ridicule either of them for their decision or choice. We must avoid any form of discrimination and infringement of the rights of people, regardless of their choice, because the church is a community of Christian love and compassion for all people, regardless of their preferences and positions. Do not judge those who have been vaccinated or not vaccinated, do not persuade or start arguments about vaccination.

  • Please refrain from giving precise and exhaustive answers to the question about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines unless you are a professional in the field of virology and immunology.
  • Do not speculate on biblical texts about the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Do not spread "conspiracy theories" or information that is difficult to verify or confirm about the consequences of vaccination or refusal to vaccinate, do not instill fear among people around you.
  • We do not recommend using the wording “for religious reasons” as a reason for refusing to vaccinate, since the Christian faith has nothing to do with this issue and is an expression of a person’s concern for their own health.
  • Pray for the recovery of all those who are sick with COVID-19, and other diseases. Pray for the medical staff who are on the front lines in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Pray also for the leadership of the Russian Federation, that God would give wisdom and the necessary resources in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

With respect to everyone and intensified prayer for you,

Working group of pastors of the Moscow UECB Churches.

Moscow, December 1, 2021

 

 
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