Religious groups choose path of vaccine encouragement, not proof  

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This article was published 31/08/2021 (1484 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Although they may not agree in all matters of religion and doctrine, most of Winnipeg’s religious communities are united in the belief they are responsible to follow all public health orders.

So, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders say they will continue to require their faithful to don masks, register contact information, follow physical distancing guidelines and limit the number of people at indoor gatherings.

However, most will not — and some say cannot — ask for proof of vaccination before entering a temple, mosque or church to pray and worship.

The province currently isn’t asking them to do so, despite the fact people attending other indoor venues (such as concerts, theatres and casinos) must show proof of double vaccination under new public health orders issued Aug. 27. Participation at indoor religious services is limited to 150 people or 50 per cent of capacity, whichever is greater.

Manitoba Islamic Association is not considering restricting access to the mosque to only vaccinated people, board chairman Idris Elbakri wrote in an email message.

“This would create tensions and divisions about the vaccination issue, at a time when we need more understanding and empathy. This would also be a logistical nightmare.”

Elbakri said his organization promotes vaccination, has held three vaccination clinics, and produced videos in several languages to explain the benefits.

People attending services at the two temples run by the Manitoba Hindu Society will not be asked for their vaccine status, but president Kirit Thakrar said the topic may be discussed at a board meeting next week.

Catholics won’t be asked to flash their vaccine passport either, but the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Winnipeg continues to discuss religious rights in relation to vaccines, said Archbishop Richard Gagnon.

“The idea of a mandatory vaccine to go to church is really unprecedented and raises many questions,” he wrote in an email message. “Restricting the size of gatherings and even mask wearing have precedents in the past.”

Anglicans will continue to adhere to public health directives and protocols, but they do not expect to mandate vaccination for worshippers, said Bishop Geoffrey Woodcroft of Diocese of Rupert’s Land.

“I would struggle to implement mandatory full vaccination for all participants of in-person worship that would prevent disciples who cannot be vaccinated for age or medical reasons from full participation,” he wrote in an email.

The United Church of Canada has not issued a policy mandating vaccination for church attendance, leaving every congregation to decide how to proceed, said Rev. Shannon McCarthy, executive minister for three Western Canadian regions of the denomination.

“There’s definitely been conversations about whether we have a right to ask people that, and it creates a divide,” she said.

However, congregations could decide to request proof of vaccination to participate in high-risker activities such as choir rehearsals or small groups unable to socially distance at indoor meetings, McCarthy said.

The vast majority of United Church ministers are fully vaccinated, she said, and the denomination may move to mandate vaccination as a condition of employment.

In Winnipeg’s Jewish community, rabbis have publicly taken a stance promoting vaccination as a way to save lives, a central tenet of Jewish values and ethics.

“Saving and preserving a life trumps absolutely everything,” Rabbi Allan Finkel of Temple Shalom said of the Jewish imperative, called Pikuach Nefesh in Hebrew.

“Our right to our health is more important than your right to step through the door.”

People attending in-person services at the Reformed Judaism synagogue must show proof of vaccination to attend, as well as complying with other public health measures, such as physical distancing and wearing a mask, said Finkel.

During the upcoming High Holy Days, anyone attending a service at Adas Yeshurun Herzlia must show either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test before booking their tickets, said Rabbi Yosef Benarroch, who wrote the letter on behalf of the other rabbis.

“We’re not turning anyone away, we’re just giving them two options: a vaccine or a negative COVID test. And everyone can decide which option they want.”

Benarroch said he’s encountered very little opposition in his congregation, with the vast majority already double vaccinated. The synagogue returned to in-person service in the summer, holding it outside when weather permits, with all participants masked and physically distanced.

“In order to be a religious person, you automatically give up personal freedom,” Benarroch said of following Jewish laws. “In Judaism, we choose that because our religion obligates us to think of others.”

Although religious groups may differ in how they are navigating the pandemic, it might be helpful to remember that everyone is doing the best in ever-changing circumstances, said Archbishop Lawrence Huculak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Winnipeg.

“It’s very difficult in the midst of the storm to know where we’re going,” he said.

“I think we shouldn’t be surprised we can see it in the midst of the storm. You hope you take the best road.”

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