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COVID-19: Exploring Faith Dimensions
WEEKLY HIGHLIGHT
#176
Religious Exemptions from COVID-19 Vaccines 

Religious exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccination are a lively topic in national debates about vaccination programs, especially in the United States. Booster shots become available to American adults over the age of 65 and who are in high-risk categories, but with far less religious focus.
 
The Religions for Peace World Council, meeting in conjunction with an international interfaith conference held in hybrid form from a base in Lindau, Germany, gave considerable focus to vaccination issues, including a strong call for greater equity and religious commitments to address vaccine hesitancy. In a pledge made on Monday, religious leaders highlighted that the COVID-19 vaccines are proven to save lives. 
 
However, in several instances employees of institutions requiring the COVID-19 vaccine are still seeking religious exemptions. The editorial board of the Los Angeles Times stated that a quarter of Los Angeles Police Department employees are planning on filing for religious exemptions from the vaccine. The editorial board argued that religious exemptions should be eliminated altogether to protect public safety. 
 
In Colorado, a pediatrician and medical student from the University of Colorado medical school are defying denials of their request for religious exemptions from the vaccine. The pediatrician claimed her Catholic beliefs go against using vaccines with “abortion-derived cell lines.” The medical student said his Buddhist beliefs go against using products that harm or kill animals. The university denied both requests. The Thomas More Society –– a conservative law firm in Chicago –– filed a lawsuit against the medical school claiming they accept religious exemptions based on organized religion rather than personal religious beliefs. 
 
In KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, an organization called the Religious Forum Against COVID-19 was established. Similarly to the Religions for Peace conference leaders, the forum intends to address religious concerns around COVID-19 and vaccine hesitation. Anglican Archbishop of Southern Africa Thabo Makgoba said vaccines are mandatory for Anglican clergy, indicating that the clergy is responsible for the care of vulnerable community members. 

Less than half of evangelical white Christians in America claim the public health benefits of COVID-19 restrictions –– such as limits on gathering in person –– outweigh the cost, according to data from Pew Research Center. Meanwhile in Lima, Peru, the popular annual Roman Catholic procession, the Lord of Miracles, was canceled this year due to the two million confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country. In Colombo, Sri Lanka another lockdown due to the spread of the delta variant is ongoing and interrupted in person protests teachers and principals were holding due to unfair wages.
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