Oct. 11 Brazil, Mexico, Colombia MTCs set to reopen for on-site training, and Provo MTC expands to training in 17 languages. 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. From churches to mosque, Bridgeport faith leaders offering April 24 Global death toll surpasses 200,000. I created three figures to describe how these factors of churches gathering influence three vaccination periods: The partial-vaccination period will last until there is herd immunity against COVID-19 and the infection rate declines to a low level. Timeline: How the Church has responded to the COVID-19 But it may take significant efforts and patience to communicate with our church attendees about the benefits of the vaccines. Church leaders can set an example to their congregations by getting vaccinated themselves. But another church continues to say mask wearers and the vaccinated aren't welcome at worship services. 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. The Latter-day Saint faith was one of the first to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. To unlock this article for your friends, use any of the social share buttons on our site, or simply copy the link below. Missionaries of the China Hong Kong Mission move their luggage toward the check-in counters at the airport as they evacuate due to growing coronavirus concerns, as shown in a photo courtesy of President Dennis L. Phillips. Jefferson County sees three more Covid deaths | Coronavirus Allen, a church member living in Wisconsin, is among a contingent who fear fellow members who refuse to get vaccinated are allowing their political views to supersede their loyalty to a faith that largely prioritizes unity and obedience. Their congregants are among the most vaccine-hesitant, and the states along the Bible March 2 Elder Soares and other Church leaders speak in special devotional for Native Americans, many of whom have been hit particularly hard by COVID-19. To share this article with your friends, use any of the social share buttons on our site, or simply copy the link below. The Church Urges More Action to Limit the Spread of COVID-19 Nov. 9 Church announces Giving Machines will not be used this season, but the #LightTheWorld service campaign will move forward. Kristen Chevrier, co-founder of a Utah-based health freedom group that has advocated against vaccine mandates, said the church should not be involved in health choices, and she worries people are being discriminated against based on their vaccine status. The trust greatly increases when they know it is coming from men and women of faith who are knowledgeable about science.. leaders Because we know that COVID-19 vaccines can protect people from the harmful effects of this virus and allow us to return to normal church ministries sooner, in my opinion, churches should be promoting COVID-19 vaccination. Oct. 24 Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performs first live Sunday broadcast of Music & the Spoken Word since March 2020. 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. Gary Herbert orders statewide mask mandate and halts on casual social gatherings as COVID-19 cases in the state skyrocket. March 12 Utah Gov. 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 Health Organization. Sept. 21 For the first time in 555 days, the Tabernacle Choir gathers for rehearsal. 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. Hopefully this will happen again soon. Feb. 19 Jerold Ottley, longtime Tabernacle Choir director, dies at age 86 from COVID-19-related illness. June 7 First Presidency announces a return to the Conference Center for the October 2021 general conference but still closed to the public. President Russell M. Nelson prayed often for a COVID-19 vaccine throughout 2020. Because vaccinated congregants are protected from serious COVID-19 complications, it is much safer for them to gather indoors even when the infection rate in the community is high. 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. He thinks the vaccine is a gift from God. The authoritative record of NPRs programming is the audio record. You can find something on the internet to support any position you want to take, said Johnson. Well, I can't give up all my sources. A must-read story, especially after President Dallin H. Oaks conference talk on civic engagement by Latter-day Saints. The Assembly Hall, Tabernacle, Church History Library and Joseph Smith Memorial Building also reopen. May 28 U.S. death toll surpasses 100,000. 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. Yet much of what he says seems to stoke that fear he's so against. PFLEGER: A lot of what he preaches about the pandemic is based on misinformation and conspiracy theories. 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. Adam Klekowski, executive pastor at Flood Church in San Diego, doesn't doubt that some among his politically diverse congregation of 700 to 800 are refusing to be vaccinated. 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. Under President Nelsons leadership, the church in February gave $20 million through Latter-day Saint Charities to support COVAX, a global campaign to April 13 FSY conferences in U.S. and Canada in 2020 postponed. Some were even hospitalized. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Russell M. Nelson speaks during a news conference on June 14, 2021, in Salt Lake City. July 7 FamilySearch announces RootsTech Connect 2022 will be entirely virtual and free, following the format of the 2021 event. The priesthood holder follows COVID-19 recommended public guidelines by wearing a face mask and distributing the sacrament tray to each Church member. Because herd immunity has not been achieved, COVID-19 infection rates in our communities will remain high. Nov. 20 A prerecorded Luz de las Naciones program is broadcast and Elder Christofferson gives a concluding message of hope and light. All Rights Reserved, President Russell M. Nelson and the COVID-19 vaccine: What the church leader has said and done, 22 examples of President Nelsons pandemic-related leadership, D. Michael Quinn, who wrote 10 books on Latter-day Saint history, dies at 77, For first time, church to hold Face to Face event for single adults 31 and older, Church membership withdrawn after Latter-day Saint council for therapist, See the churchs new infographic about supporting single adult Latter-day Saints, Historic Latter-day Saint sites to begin reopening in May, including Latter-day Saint missionaries traveling abroad, An innovative dress shirt company from a man who hates dress shirts, an analysis of Supreme Court rulings favoring religious rights, 5 interesting documents and images from the latest Joseph Smith Papers. PFLEGER: The truth is, in Tennessee, nearly 90% of COVID-19 hospitalizations are unvaccinated people. Dec. 5 Elder Dale G. Renlund and his wife, Sister Ruth Renlund, test positive for COVID-19. I have adapted them for the steps in the table. PFLEGER: Fleming is vaccinated himself. As more information becomes available or clearer guidelines emerge, the thresholds in the table may need to be adjusted. Black churches have become indispensable in Covid-19 Many Evangelicals say they won't be vaccinated against Covid-19 President Nelson on COVID-19 vaccine: What the church leader A healthcare worker administers the COVID-19 vaccine to a resident living in the Jackson Heights neighborhood at St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church in Tampa, July 20 First Presidency announces changes to temple endowment ceremony. Therefore, my suggestions remain relevant even with the spread of these variants. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, 194.4 million flu vaccine doses were distributed during the 2020-2021 flu season. Many members have voiced concerns on social media that pro-mask and pro-vaccine sentiments arent shared by all regional church leadership, with some describing their experiences as bishop roulette.. April 2 COVID-19 cases top 1 million people in 171 countries across six continents, death toll at least 51,000. WebTime since last dose is key. The common perception of Mormons and Mormonism is that when church leaders speak, church members listen and do what theyre told, said Mason. PFLEGER: She remembers turning off the livestream dismayed. COVID Sarah Jane Weaver hosted Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf on her podcast to talk about applying the lessons learned about missionary work during the pandemic. Church leaders can set an example to their congregations by getting vaccinated themselves. Sept. 13 Pocatello Idaho Temple becomes the first to hold a public open house since the start of the pandemic. If members have concerns, they should counsel with competent medical professionals and also seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost.. Hongying Xu, Yining Zhou and Hong Zhou, who are visiting from La Crosse, Wisconsin, get a tour from docent Lois Green, left to right, at the Beehive House in Salt Lake City on Monday, Aug. 2, 2021. 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. To help our congregants take responsibility, it would be helpful if they knew their risk level. 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 FLEMING: We had more who have tested positive for COVID in about a 10- to 14-day timeframe than we've had all of the previous 18 months of COVID. President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, gets his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Salt Lake County Health Department in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Jan. 19, 2021. 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. April 25, 2023. However, some Catholic prelates and evangelical pastors have been sharply critical of the the vaccine campaign and masking mandates, and others have shied away from addressing those issues for fear of angering some congregation members. White Evangelical Churches and the Crisis Sister Sharon Eubank, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, receives bags of homemade clinical masks at the Deseret Industries in Riverton as part of the ProjectProtect initiative by Latter-day Saint Charities and local health care networks on Saturday, April 25, 2020. But it is important not to exclude people. 1 of 3. The project, completed in mid-2021, We are very grateful. Meanwhile, other church leaders were sceptical about taking the COVID-19 vaccine. 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. Church leaders recently issued their strongest statement yet urging people to limit the spread by getting COVID-19 vaccines and wearing masks. Nov. 26 WHO classifies Omicron as a variant of concern. Warehouse workers load supplies as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints send aid to China in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020. LOCKE: And the facts embolden me. 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. Here are two stories about the pandemic-related leadership of religious leaders, including President Nelson: Empathy, gratitude, optimism, action: 22 times President Nelson provided leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sept. 1 Winnipeg Manitoba Temple dedication and open house postponed; FamilySearch announces RootsTech 2021 will be a free, virtual event held Feb. 25-27, 2021. For NPR News, I'm Paige Pfleger in Nashville. Where Two or More Are Vaccinated: Advice for Churches in 2021 Covid March 13 Church temporarily suspends proxy temple work worldwide; Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square cancels concerts and makes changes to broadcasts; RootsTech London postponed until fall 2021; Church closes all public areas in and around Temple Square. The purpose of this, however, would not be to prevent COVID-19 complications but to limit the spread of the virus. June 4 First Presidency announces October general conference to be broadcast but closed again to public. March 5 Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Squares Heritage Tour postponed until 2022. I was scrolling through the photos on my phone and found this. Message to Community Regarding COVID-19 Vaccines (4/25/23) April 25, 2023. June 25 First Presidency announces dates for the open house and rededication of the Mesa Arizona Temple to be held in November and December. 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). SALT LAKE CITY (AP) After more than a year of attending church virtually, Monique Allen has struggled to explain to her asthmatic daughter why people from their congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dont wear masks. This is an alarming development because these variants may worsen and prolong the pandemic. The First Presidency outlined, in a letter dated May 19, plans to resume some meetings and activities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on a limited basis using a careful, phased approach. This includes the administration of the sacrament. April 14 First Presidency announces more than 110 COVID-19 relief projects in 57 countries. COVID The message she has shared with her 8-year-old daughter is that of course Christ would wear a mask, of course he would get vaccinated because hes a loving person, she said. During this transition period in the US, how should church leaders decide on in-person gatherings for their churches? Church-owned Brigham Young University in Utah has asked students to report their vaccination status but is not requiring vaccinations. As in my previous CT articles on church gatherings during this pandemic, I have tried to discern Gods call for his church using two guideposts: biblical truths and scientific knowledge, both of which have been given by God. On Jan. 19, 2021, eight senior Church leaders received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Controversial Christian church leads war against COVID-19 ]. 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. March 29 Latter-day Saints and others worldwide follow President Nelsons invitation to fast. on COVID vaccines However, church leaders may have reservations about separating their congregants into groups. However, here is background on two important issues. Brand-new vaccines from polio to measles to Covid-19 are tested in large clinical trials that include placebo groups. 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. If a significant proportion of people in our communities refuse to be vaccinated, this will prolong the pandemic and its harmful effects on our society. 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. Missionaries who are not fully vaccinated are also unable to receive an assignment outside of their home country. Their congregants are among the most vaccine-hesitant, and the states along the Bible Belt have some of the lowest vaccine rates. She uncovered some interesting findings and interviewed people on both sides of the issue. Nov. 7 The Pocatello Idaho Temple is dedicated by President Ballard. Nov. 4 Church starts deliberate, cautious process in assigning missionaries beyond home countries. Five science-based suggestions to gather and worship safely as COVID-19 vaccines roll out. But there are outliers who do take a stance at the pulpit, like pastor Greg Locke of Global Vision Bible Church just outside Nashville. 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. Gary Herbert announces Utah will restrict gatherings of more than 100 people. Church leaders Since the spread of these COVID-19 variants could delay the time to reach herd immunity, the need for our churches to have plans on how and when to gather is greater than ever. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. A church that earlier denied the severity of COVID-19 changed its messaging after an outbreak. The church has also held three consecutive major conferences remotely since the pandemic began. When we gather with others in our churches, we can love our brothers and sisters by protecting them from the harm of this virus. Some 22 months ago, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints suspended Church gatherings worldwide on March 12, 2020, in response to growing restrictions related to COVID-19. The handbook update reemphasized the First Presidencys consistent direction since at least 1978. Jan. 21 First Presidency announces April 2021 general conference will be conducted virtually, marking the third-straight virtual conference. Nov. 9 Utah Gov. To navigate this transition period, I will explain how COVID-19 vaccination influences decisions about church gatherings and provide five suggestions that can help churches develop a plan to regather as vaccination coverage increases. Only then can society begin to resume more normal activities. The CDC does not list brain aneurysms as a common side effect after COVID-19 vaccination in any age group. The Our church emphasizes the importance of personal accountability and not just what the church mandates, said Elton Lee, an elder of a large Chinese American church, who is grateful for members who take responsibility to protect others. Accuracy and availability may vary. We need a step-wise plan because different church activities have different risks of COVID-19 transmission. 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. Subscribe for free and get daily or weekly updates straight to your inbox, The three things you need to know everyday, Highlights from the last week to keep you informed. Feb. 4 Utah Area Presidency updates COVID-19 safety measures and returns to September 2020 guidelines; Latter-day Saint Charities provides 30 million meals to children in nine developing countries. 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). Moreover, it is easier to mitigate COVID-19 transmission in some activities compared to others. These Nov. 7 First of two Luz de Las Naciones virtual programs this season is streamed online (the other will be Dec. 19). leaders Jan. 30 WHO issues Global Health Emergency; death toll reaches 200, with 9,800 confirmed cases. 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. New CDC data: Original mRNA vaccines provided ongoing ,and (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news, held three consecutive major conferences remotely. Church leaders said in a statement that available vaccines have proven to be both safe and effective and urged members to According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, 194.4 million flu vaccine doses were distributed during the 2020-2021 flu season. Browse 60+ years of magazine archives and web exclusives. 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. Regarding masks at services, top church officials have said its up to bishops to encourage people to follow local public health guidelines.