How to Talk to Concerned Church Members Who Are “COVID Policy Doubters”
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Comments | Return to Story
Deb H.August 30, 2021
The whole problem with all of this is you have two choices, take the shot or don't. Once you make the choice, you are labeled by people who have no idea what you are going through.
Karla SAugust 17, 2021
I made the decision to be vaccinated, due to age and comorbidities. I'm a nurse and I'm well aware of the debate, on both sides. Most of the articles you cited are not new to me and there are a lot of questions left unanswered in most of these, and other articles I have read, or with experts I have listened to. This issue is NOT settled even among the experts. I am generally pro vaccine, with a few exceptions. As with all vaccines, these Covid 19 vaccines should also be taken with INFORMED CONSENT, not MANDATED. That is the biggest issue I see among "CPDs" I know, including myself. After all, these vaccines are still "experimental" and there appears to be risks in taking them. As for mask usage, it's not 100%, whether due to using them incorrectly, or wearing ineffective cloth masks. Generally speaking, if someone has real concerns about catching Covid 19, that person should really keep that fact in mind, and limit exposure to crowds of any kind, including church services. I know most Wards are continuing Zoom access to meetings. I don't feel the Prophet is telling us NOT to be informed and not to use this information to evaluate our particular circumstances. I do agree that he is trying to help us look at those around us with compassion and empathy. Wheter "CPD" or not, we should NOT allow this virus to tear us apart as members of the Lord's Kingdom.
ReluctantAugust 17, 2021
There is very real concern about the vaccine. I had the first shot, then I got Covid. I recovered from Covid. I was feeling fine. Then I got the second shot and I have not recovered my health and it has been months since that happened. There is a problem with the vaccine for some people and I don’t believe our government is honest about it. Just because it didn’t cause problems for everyone doesn’t mean it is safe for all and we should be able to choose without creating contention.
Rita in TexasAugust 17, 2021
David M., your comments embody the article's critique of those who dismiss, harass and otherwise abuse those who have chosen to allow logic, reason and knowledge to inform their actions. Did nothing the author wrote sink in? Covid policy doubters are not heartless monsters willing to kill little children; we are thoughtful, faithful Saints who have serious questions that few want to hear, much less answer. I am unable to wear a mask or take the jab, both for medical reasons. Going to worship with my ward family has been impossible for months, and just recently I've been able to attend. Now, it looks like it will be taken away again. Even with the delta variant, children are largely immune from the kinds of problems that the elderly and those with co-morbidities generally have. Parents with medically-fragile children usually keep them at home. There are several people in my ward who haven't been able to attend church or the temple, and some of them are considering leaving the Church altogether, because of the unkind words coming from erstwhile friends and leaders. This is a complicated situation, made more so by the constantly changing narrative coming from the government and its minions. Please don't make it worse.
AbbieAugust 17, 2021
While I can appreciate the tone and very thoughtful written article. I think the overall view should be, I am allowed to have my agency. I am allowed to make decisions for me and my family and that should be respected by all people as I respect your rights to make decisions for yourself and your family, ones that I may not agree with. The constitution was written too so that I may have that right as well, and yes slowly it has eroded, been taught incorrectly and they have over stepped their authority. The Lord highly values our agency. He will force no one and I think we all should follow his example. Name calling pointing finger, They are immature and selfish on Both sides of this debate. Trying to find common ground and actually having a real debate would be more helpful, but with dishonest reporting and too many differing expert opinions do not help and with social medial and news media censoring information it does help foster those honest debates to happen.
MelAugust 17, 2021
Thank you for your article. It has been the most diplomatic, church related piece I have read concerning COVID policies. From the official church handbook: 38.7.13 Vaccinations "Vaccinations administered by competent medical professionals protect health and preserve life. Members of the Church are encouraged to safeguard themselves, their children, and their communities through vaccination. Ultimately, individuals are responsible to make their own decisions about vaccination. If members have concerns, they should counsel with competent medical professionals and also seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost." As someone who has sought counsel with multiple competent medical professionals and also sought the guidance of the Holy Ghost as per direction from the First Presidency, the instruction I have received is different from many but right for me. Could this be an opportunity for the members of the church to have confidence in each other for doing the work of research and receiving spiritual guidance and show respect for each other even if our answers might look different?
CricketAugust 17, 2021
First of all, you are building a straw man by saying the CDC has proven to be unreliable, then quote from it to show that it is. As long as the data fits. Soooo...I ask: why the PUSH for a vaccine (that has, according to the CDC, a 90% effective rate) for a viral infection that has a 99% recovery rate, with lifetime immunity? A vaccine is going to require boosters. I also ask why alternative treatments are not even discussed? As I understand agency, information is needed to make an unfettered choice. So why the one-sided push?
David MAugust 16, 2021
The other article in today's Meridian Magazine has dozens of reader comments. This one has none. I think that's because it's too long and confusing for the average reader who's just trying to do the right thing for his family, and not trying to justify or disprove all the conspiracy theories. My advice to ward leaders and CPD's is different than this article proposes - I'd say, act with an abundance of caution. Don't take any chances with other people's health. If you don't want to get vaccinated and wear a mask and social distance, then stay home and watch the meeting broadcast. You will never be able to live with the horror of possibly being responsible for the infection or death of an innocent child.
ScottHAugust 16, 2021
Thanks for the in-depth viewpoint. To me the benefits of being vaccinated seem self-evident. Yet the bad and inconsistent actions of government and media actors also seem obvious. President Nelson clearly regards the vaccines as answers to the faithful prayers and fasting of millions. This suggests that the Lord is able to use deeply flawed and even corrupt entities to work miracles. It is possible to be both in favor of the vaccines and opposed to political overreach.
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