In countries like the US where the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines began last December, experts predict it will be fall before vaccination coverage reaches 7090 percent and herd immunity can hopefully be achieved. Other church members are upset that their leaders arent letting them exercise their own decision-making about vaccines and masks. President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participates in the Saturday morning session of the 190th Annual General Conference at Church headquarters on April 4, 2020. Given that our church activities facilitate virus spread, there is still a high risk of transmission between the unvaccinated and even between unvaccinated and vaccinated congregants. However, church leaders may have reservations about separating their congregants into groups. Jan. 21 First Presidency announces April 2021 general conference will be conducted virtually, marking the third-straight virtual conference. March 23 All 10 MTCs close, nonnative missionaries in Mexico, Vietnam and India to return to home countries; Utah Area presidency asks families to not congregate at airports as missionaries return home; Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple, Bountiful Utah Temple first in Utah to close. April 4-5 General conference; President Nelson calls for a second worldwide fast. The CDC does not list brain aneurysms as a common side effect after COVID-19 vaccination in any age group. Nov. 29 Christmas on Temple Square kicks off with a virtual concert titled Witnesses of Christ.. , 30 million meals to children in nine developing countries. Nov. 26-28 The second annual FamilySearch Geraes event is held virtually for Portuguese speakers. With the fast-spreading variants, it is even more important to start activities at each threshold with a smaller number of individuals. A small gathering from Olmoe, Chile watch the Saturday morning session of the 190th Annual General Conference , April 4, 2020. George Hinman, the senior pastor of the large multigenerational church that I attend, said, I can accept the idea of having a worship service just for the vaccinated if we also provide another option for people to worship regardless of their vaccination status. With approval from our physician, my wife, Wendy, and I were vaccinated today against COVID-19, he wrote. One Salt Lake City church has been encouraging vulnerable people to participate in meetings virtually and sent a message to congregants in early August recommending that everyone wear masks and get the vaccine. Nov. 12 The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square announces upcoming Christmas concert plans: 20 Years of Christmas With the Tabernacle Choir for December 2021 and a prerecorded TV special in front of a small audience for 2022. ]. FLEMING: It's obviously also - should be a wakeup call for those who are unvaccinated to say, oh, I don't want to go through that as an unvaccinated person. Vaccinations administered by competent medical professionals protect health and preserve life, the handbook now says in Section 38. But some churches began resuming masking practices even before the leaders statement. President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination on Tuesday morning, Jan. 19, 2021. During this transition period in the US, how should church leaders decide on in-person gatherings for their churches? Rumors about malicious misuse of the vaccine and mass conspiracies have Copyright 2021 NPR. PFLEGER: She says she was searching for a shepherd, not someone who would lead her astray. How long this takes is affected by the availability, effectiveness, and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines as well as the contagiousness of new COVID-19 variants. Accuracy and availability may vary. Disease control experts have long recognized the importance of behavioral change in helping people reduce their risk of exposure to an infectious agent. Not only will vaccinated Christians be protected from serious complications if they get infected, but they will also be able to serve others in need sooner and contribute to ending the pandemic. In an attempt to control the spread of COVID-19, missionaries are being trained by remote video conference rather than travel to the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 10 missionary training centers. An August AP-NORC poll found that among white evangelicals, 51% are at least somewhat confident in the vaccines to be effective against variants, compared with 73% of Catholics, 66% of white mainline Protestants such as Presbyterians and Lutherans, 65% of nonwhite Protestants and 67% of the religiously unaffiliated. Nov. 4 Church starts deliberate, cautious process in assigning missionaries beyond home countries. With the start of COVID-19 vaccination in our communities, we are beginning the long road back toward normalcy. Here are the facts: There is no scientific evidence that root canals cause heart attacks; the false claim stems from 1920s research that has been disproved through controlled research studies. Besides Graham, some other prominent evangelical leaders have encouraged vaccination. Keynote speakers from all over the world participated in RootsTech Connect in February 2021. But with COVIDRisk.Link, a tool I recently developed with others, congregants can monitor their own risk of exposure to the virus on a regular basis and reduce their risk, if necessary, before meeting with others. churches should be promoting COVID-19 vaccination, love one another by encouraging vaccination. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints The available COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and provide protection against severe infections, the First In March 2020, church leaders suspended all church gatherings and closed Rev. April 14 First Presidency announces more than 110 COVID-19 relief projects in 57 countries. Gary Herbert announces Utah will restrict gatherings of more than 100 people. 1 of 3. But it may take significant efforts and patience to communicate with our church attendees about the benefits of the vaccines. Because COVID-19 and all its variants spread through nasal secretions and respiratory droplets, the ways to contain their transmission remain the same. Second, fast-spreading variants of COVID-19 in different parts of the world appear to be 1070 percent more transmissible. April 29-30 BYU Womens Conference held virtually, includes sessions streamed live from the Marriott Center in English, Spanish and Portuguese. The survey found 79% of white Catholics and 56% of white Evangelical Protestants identified as vaccine acceptors. We are very grateful. Church leaders recently issued their strongest statement yet urging people to limit the spread by getting COVID-19 vaccines and wearing masks. My colleague Kelsey Dallas conducted an analysis of Supreme Court rulings favoring religious rights. Many of his congregants are vaccinated and didn't have serious symptoms. Oct. 31 The Winnipeg Manitoba Temple is dedicated the first temple dedicated in 20 months. This will undoubtedly influence a churchs decision to gather. This has revealed sometimes how conditional that loyalty can be.. More important than words are actions. June 18 Tabernacle Choir announces dates for 2022 Heritage Tour, which had been postponed twice due to COVID-19. Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong, Sister Carol Wong, Sister Susan Gong, Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela and Sister Silvia Valenzuela stand for a portrait at the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple in Winnipeg, Canada, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. Credit: Daniel Crump, for the Deseret News. PFLEGER: But there's no evidence that's true. PFLEGER: Fleming says it was sobering. The common perception of Mormons and Mormonism is that when church leaders speak, church members listen and do what theyre told, said Mason. Oct. 22 Church announces annual Christmas concerts on Temple Square will be held virtually, public invited to submit videos. I was crying. Allen said she has taught her daughter that wearing a mask is Christlike, but now she worries her child feels like an outcast. James Broughton, the senior pastor of a predominantly African American congregation said, This is such a complicated situationwith so many moving parts. She uncovered some interesting findings and interviewed people on both sides of the issue. Broughton explained, Our people are currently reacting based on fear because of the influence of past experiences like the Tuskegee experiments. Therefore, the decision on when it is safe for vaccinated and unvaccinated congregants to gather should primarily be based on the level of COVID-19 infection in the community and not on the proportion of congregants vaccinated. Therefore, my suggestions remain relevant even with the spread of these variants. Sept. 22 First Presidency directs Latter-day Saints worldwide to wear masks in temples, again urges vaccination. Broughton emphasized this, I need to continue to have conversations with the congregation. Some were even hospitalized. I'm sure of the facts. May 25 First Presidency announces 60 temples will resume offering all ordinances for the first time in more than a year, beginning in either June or July. (Photo courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Church President Russell M. Nelson receives the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in Salt Lake City. Dec. 3 BYU Womens Conference announces it will take a one-year pause as options are explored for 2023. GREENE: We're in a time right now that we are uncertain of, so I'm praying for discernment. Eppolito is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Instead, 39% said leaders actually encouraged their followers to get the vaccine, while 54% said their leaders did not say anything specific about the shot. Nov. 20 President Nelson shares worldwide message on the healing power of gratitude and invites all to #GiveThanks. Five science-based suggestions to gather and worship safely as COVID-19 vaccines roll out. This is an alarming development because these variants may worsen and prolong the pandemic. Aug. 21 Choir leaders announce cancellation of annual Christmas concert featuring the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Orchestra at Temple Square, and Bells at Temple Square. FLEMING: It's a fine line for us as ministers to walk as to how much we say about a vaccine or how much we say for it or against it. Because vaccination will proceed at different rates in different communities and vaccination of church congregants will vary even among churches within the same community, there is no single approach to regathering. Unmasked bishops at an Idaho church read the statement from top church officials to the congregation, but only a few chose to start wearing masks. The A must-read story, especially after President Dallin H. Oaks conference talk on civic engagement by Latter-day Saints. Sister Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society general president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, attends a collection drive for homemade clinical masks at the Deseret Industries in Ogden as part of the ProjectProtect initiative by Latter-day Saint Charities and local health care networks on Saturday, April 25, 2020. I was scrolling through the photos on my phone and found this. Regarding masks at services, top church officials have said its up to bishops to encourage people to follow local public health guidelines. A few apps are designed to help individuals estimate their risk of catching COVID-19 at a gathering. We need to give everyone an accessible experience.. If you are interested in receiving a first or second bivalent mRNA vaccine in Virginia check the Vaccinate Virginia website or contact the VDH Call Center at 877-829-4682. March 26 President Nelson extends invitation for worldwide fast; First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve announce shortened length of service for missionaries returning to the U.S., Canada. Dec. 5 The First Presidencys annual Christmas devotional returns to its traditional venue in the Conference Center on Temple Square with a limited 4,000-person audience. Message to Community Regarding COVID-19 Vaccines (4/25/23) April 25, 2023. One U.S. Catholic leader, Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, has said he opposes the use of any COVID-19 vaccine with any connection to aborted human Dec. 6 Annual First Presidency Christmas Devotional is broadcast from the Conference Center Theater on Temple Square and closed to the public. Divisions on masking and vaccinations in the Latter-day Saint faith appear to be tracking along political lines, with conservative members being more hesitant, said Patrick Mason, associate professor of religion at Utah State University. March 5 Rome Italy Temple first in Europe to close following Italian government directives to close large gathering places; total of 17 countries cancelling or limiting Sunday worship services in affected areas. Although experts are not certain vaccination will prevent the spread of COVID-19, there is a very good chance that vaccines will reduce at least some (if not most) COVID-19 transmission. March 13 U.S. declares national emergency. The Latter-day Saint faith was one of the first to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The photo is one she included as a submission to the Church History Departments project of documenting missionary experiences during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, which drew 7,000 online entries from missionaries and mission leaders worldwide. In an attempt to control the spread of COVID-19, missionaries are being trained by remote video conference rather than travel to the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 10 missionary training centers. Nov. 7 First of two Luz de Las Naciones virtual programs this season is streamed online (the other will be Dec. 19). May 7 First Presidency announces phased reopening of temples; 17 temples to open for living husband-wife sealing ordinances in Phase 1. In March 2020, church leaders suspended all church gatherings and closed temples. Under President Nelsons leadership, the church in February gave $20 million through Latter-day Saint Charitiesto support COVAX, a global campaign to provide 2 billion COVID-19 vaccines to people in low- and middle-income countries. Jointly published by the Deseret News and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its content supports the doctrines, principles and practices of the Church. July 6 Family History Library reopens to the public after a remodeling during the COVID-19 closure. If members have concerns, they should counsel with competent medical professionals and also seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost.. Where this information is coming from makes a big difference to them. The handbook update reemphasized the First Presidencys consistent direction since at least 1978. The project, completed in mid-2021, President Russell M. Nelson receives the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 19 in Salt Lake City. On Jan. 19, 2021, eight senior Church leaders received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Subscribers receive full access to the archives. On Jan. 19, 2021, eight senior Church leaders received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. July 7 FamilySearch announces RootsTech Connect 2022 will be entirely virtual and free, following the format of the 2021 event. The others were his counselors in the First Presidency, Presidents Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring; the acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, President M. Russell Ballard; and Elders Jeffrey R. Holland, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Quentin L. Cook and D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Explicitly stated or not, church leaders are balancing three factors when they consider church gathering during this pandemic: the need and desire of congregants to gather, the rate of COVID-19 infection in the community, and the risk of COVID-19 infection and complications among the churchs congregants. Members of the faith widely known as the Mormon church remain deeply divided on vaccines and mask-wearing despite consistent guidance from church leaders as the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus spreads. The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent the following message on Thursday, August 12, 2021, to Church members around Dec. 5 Elder Dale G. Renlund and his wife, Sister Ruth Renlund, test positive for COVID-19. PAIGE PFLEGER, BYLINE: At a recent Sunday service, pastor Travis Fleming stands at the pulpit and prays. At every threshold of infection in the above table, gatherings can be safer if we ask congregants to reduce their risk of exposure to the virus, and we encourage those with a lower risk of exposure to participate in activities sooner than those with a higher risk. April 17 The global death toll from COVID-19 surpasses 3 million. The risk of exposure to the virus is simply sharing the air that other people breathe. Dec. 16 President Nelson shares worldwide Christmas message via social media inviting all to help others feel the Saviors love. As COVID-19 vaccines are rolled out, many churchgoers are in a lower priority group for vaccination, and some may never be vaccinated either by choice or due to health reasons. Browse 60+ years of magazine archives and web exclusives. President Dallin H. Oaks speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Annual General Conference on April 5, 2020. Credit: Screenshot, ChurchofJesusChrist.org. More than 50 congregants who attended a Sunday service got sick. Their congregants are among the most vaccine-hesitant, and the states along the Bible Belt have some of the lowest vaccine rates. Nov. 12 Utah Area Presidency issues four temporary adjustments to meetings and activities; the Church announces plans for Temple Square lights and virtual Christmas devotionals and performances. All rights reserved. July 27 12 temples first to enter phase 2 of reopening plan, begin performing all living ordinances. Is faith the key to herd immunity? New research shows that faith-based initiatives could boost vaccination rates among not just the religious but all Americans. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Conference Center in Salt Lake City is devoid of conferencegoers before the start of the 190th Annual General Conference on Saturday, April 4, 2020. Sept. 3-12 With his assignment to the Europe Area, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles becomes the first senior Church leader to travel internationally since March 2020. Will their legacy survive todays partisanship? PFLEGER: Fleming is vaccinated himself. June 14 Conference Center becomes first of Temple Square facilities to reopen to the public. We need to provide options for all, said Hinman. Missionaries arrive at the Provo Missionary Training Center for the first time, in Provo on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, since COVID-19 closures in March 2020. Just 3 percent of all Covid-19 vaccine doses delivered in 2021 went to Africa, home to a fifth of the worlds population, according to the World The Utah-based religion of 16 million members worldwide is one of many faiths grappling with how best to navigate the pandemics lingering effects. Missionaries are on board a flight during a pandemic-prompted departure from their mission, as photographed by Sister Joyce Havens of the Tahiti Papeete Mission. WebTime since last dose is key. July 20 First Presidency announces changes to temple endowment ceremony. We are hopeful that the availability of COVID-19 vaccines will allow our society and churches to return to normal. Men and women work at Beehive Clothing in Salt Lake City, Utah, where surgical gowns are being made during the COVID-19 pandemic on Friday, May 15, 2020. We have prayed often for this literal godsend, President Nelson said in a Facebook post on Jan. 19, soon after receiving the shot. Then, as circumstances allowed and opportunities arose, they also found ways for members to safely gather, for temple work to be performed and for missionaries to share the gospel message. Jointly published by the Deseret News and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its content supports the doctrines, principles and practices of the Church. (Daniel Burke/Penn Medicine) Its like gold that is desired, but it is also a procedure that many are hesitant to participate in, said Shaw. Eight senior leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday morning in Salt Lake City. Nov. 5 The First Presidency announces open house and dedication dates for Rio de Janiero Brazil Temple, nearly 21 months after original schedule was postponed; a Tongan returning missionary who made headlines with a positive COVID-19 test is likely not infectious, health officials report. Faith leaders can boost vaccine confidence in their communities by getting vaccinated in public and participating in vaccine education campaigns. Nov. 9 Church announces Giving Machines will not be used this season, but the #LightTheWorld service campaign will move forward. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, 194.4 million flu vaccine doses were distributed during the 2020-2021 flu season. Although churches may choose to gather only when both vaccinated and unvaccinated congregants can mix safely together, there is an option to gather earlier with just vaccinated congregants. LOCKE: You get that COVID-19 vaccine, you're going to get sick, or you're going to die, period. It builds on the step-wise plan for church reopening that I wrote in an earlier CT article and provides thresholds of infection for the steps. Why dont more Latter-day Saint women run for elected office, and what would help more of them start to do so? Still, he has reservations about preaching that from the pulpit. To members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Nelson is Gods living prophet to the world. Dec. 17 The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square records its 2022 Christmas concert in the Conference Center with a limited audience of 4,000. Twenty years ago, Republicans, Democrats, evangelicals, gay activists, and African leaders joined forces to combat AIDS. Oct. 11 Brazil, Mexico, Colombia MTCs set to reopen for on-site training, and Provo MTC expands to training in 17 languages. Clockwise from left, McKenzie Bywater, Cody Bywater, Bryan Bywater, Madison Bywater and Erika Bywater of the Elwood 3rd Ward, Tremonton Utah South Stake, watch the Sunday morning session of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 191st Annual General Conference on April 4, 2021. Fortunately, most scientists believe current COVID-19 vaccines should remain effective against these variants. Churches may choose slightly higher or lower thresholds for starting activities. It is unfortunate that this pandemic has been so politicized that some church leaders are hesitant to endorse vaccination, but I suggest that we use the Great Commandment as our primary motivation. Dec. 12 The Mesa Arizona Temple is dedicated by President Oaks. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. Nevertheless, limiting gatherings to only vaccinated congregants could prove challenging as churches may be reluctant to require a proof of vaccination for entry through their doors. Many of our elderly and more vulnerable church members, who will be vaccinated earlier, may welcome an earlier opportunity to gather before everyone can safely do so. Missionaries of the China Hong Kong Mission gather at the airport as they prepare to depart as part of the missions February 2020 evacuation plan due to growing coronavirus concerns, as shown in a photo courtesy of President Dennis L. Phillips. PFLEGER: Fleming says it's too divisive. Oct. 2 and 3 For the first time in two years, general conference returns to the Conference Center auditorium, with live music from the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square; the multicultural choir planned for April 2020 conference also performs. If you are interested in receiving a first or second bivalent mRNA vaccine in Virginia check the Vaccinate Virginia website or contact the VDH Call Center at 877-829-4682. Oct. 6-8 Elder Gerrit W. Gong and Sister Susan Gong test positive for COVID-19; all members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are tested (results come back negative). ,and Nov. 20 A prerecorded Luz de las Naciones program is broadcast and Elder Christofferson gives a concluding message of hope and light. Feb. 21 Church releases information about missionary work, temple work and worship services for members and missionaries in several Asian countries; Taiwan Taipei Temple and Seoul Korea Temple first to close. D. Michael Quinn, who wrote 10 books on Latter-day Saint history, dies at 77 (April 24), For first time, church to hold Face to Face event for single adults 31 and older (April 23), Church membership withdrawn after Latter-day Saint council for therapist (April 22), See the churchs new infographic about supporting single adult Latter-day Saints (April 22), Historic Latter-day Saint sites to begin reopening in May (April 22). Unfortunately, nearly 40 percent of Americans and a slightly higher percentage in American churches are reluctant to be vaccinated. "The COVID-19 vaccine or any vaccines have nothing to do with any of this." May 28 U.S. death toll surpasses 100,000. Kimber Young teaches training missionaries Mandarin Chinese via video conferencing at the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Jan. 29 President Russell M. Nelson reaches out to China, sends protective equipment. Last month, the church's top leaders urged members to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Feb. 12 Utah Area Presidency again updates COVID-19 safety measures with focus on Primary children, meetings and activities. Nov. 7 The Pocatello Idaho Temple is dedicated by President Ballard. Church leaders said in a statement that available vaccines have proven to be both safe and effective and urged members to Unfortunately, many of our Christian brothers and sisters living in low- and middle-income countries, where I have worked for more than 25 years to stop the spread of infectious diseases, will not receive vaccines until 2022 or later.