Vaccination and Worship

26 Sep 2021 by Rev Dr John Squires in: Letters, Thoughts, News

Vaccination and Worship

From Rev Dr John Squires
Presbytery Minister - Wellbeing

We are not yet at the point where we are able to return to offering services of worship in person. But with the expectation and hope that this time will come reasonably soon, the attention of many people has turned to considering whether we require all people attending worship to show proof that they have been fully vaccinated.

To be sure, it is highly likely that this decision will be made for us by government decisions—either in the ACT or NSW, depending on where we are located. We may risk large fines if we go ahead and meet in contravention of whatever Public Health Orders are in place for us at any particular time.

However, it is an important matter—how do we set limits and put boundaries in place for our worshipping communities? It is an issue that would be helpful to consider in advance of having to make the decision for ourselves. Perhaps Church Councils might consider placing this matter as an item for consideration at an upcoming meeting.

To assist this, I note that Rob McFarlane has written a measured and thoughtful article (published in Insights) which could provide an excellent focus for a discussion of whether we expect everyone attending worship to show prof of full vaccination; see https://www.insights.uca.org.au/vaccination-inclusion-and-exclusion-the-ethics-of-regathering-for-worship-in-a-part-vaccinated-world/

For myself, I have written a more conversational piece which takes a clear stance about the matter, which you can read at https://johntsquires.com/2021/09/20/on-vaccinations-restrictions-and-fundamentalism/

I am more than happy to talk further with anyone who would like to pursue this matter, and to attend (via ZOOM) your Church Council or Congregational meeting if you would like to canvass matters in that forum. My contact details are johns@nswact.uca.org.au and 0408 024 642.

To assist this, I note that Rob McFarlane has written a measured and thoughtful article (published in Insights) which could provide an excellent focus for a discussion of whether we expect everyone attending worship to show prof of full vaccination; see https://www.insights.uca.org.au/vaccination-inclusion-and-exclusion-the-ethics-of-regathering-for-worship-in-a-part-vaccinated-world/

For myself, I have written a more conversational piece which takes a clear stance about the matter, which you can read at https://johntsquires.com/2021/09/20/on-vaccinations-restrictions-and-fundamentalism/

The ABC Religion and Ethics Report has a recent helpful segment on this topic at Should 'no jab no entry' apply to places of worship?, Immigration and the German elections, plus our obsession with achievement - The Religion and Ethics Report - ABC Radio National

Both Andrew and I are more than happy to talk further with anyone who would like to pursue this matter, and to attend (via ZOOM) your Church Council or Congregational meeting if you would like to canvass matters in that forum. Our contact details are:
Andrew andrews@nswact.uca.org.au and 0437 011 338
John  johns@nswact.uca.org.au and 0408 024 642