A snapshot

My recommendation at the beginning of the traffic light system, is to remain with online services and small group gatherings until the end of January. I would like to avoid vaccine certificates, whilst working within government guidelines, even though this is very restrictive, and means we can’t have large gatherings. As a church of vaccinated (90% of adults) and unvaccinated we need to take the time to understand the full implications of the traffic light system, but more importantly protect our community from the likely increase in cases in Pukekohe over the next few weeks as the restrictions come down. Some details are not yet clear, so this interim decision would provide us with time for prayer and discernment, care and understanding as we collectively consider our decisions and the implications. This is a slower, but honouring pathway forward.

This paper explains details of the background thinking that leads me to this place.    

I wrote this paper, initially for myself.  Aware that my reaction to individual vaccination situations seemed to vary, I wanted to see if my responses were consistent, logical and aligned with my faith. I’m now sharing this with our church for your awareness. This is a personal reflection and not intended to be a formal position for our church.

I genuinely respect the decision of many who have not been vaccinated, although I have been fully vaccinated.  I support the program to increase vaccinations, but disagree with vaccine mandates in many workplaces, and the loss of jobs that have occurred. I see the need to raise concerns about political decisions, yet believe we need to work within government guidelines. I want to uphold unity within our church community, and I also recognise the health challenges which prevent participation.

There are several basic premise in this discussion:

1. Christian beliefs shape our actions.
2. This is a health situation that needs to be managed (in society and also within churches).
3. All people should be respected (regardless of their decisions of conscience or vaccination status).
4. Personal decisions have implications on the church community (and this also needs to be managed in light of #2).
5. Identity in the church is based on faith in Jesus Christ, and not on any other external factor (and there should be no form of division that excludes).

Unity and inclusion

From a pastoral, theological and practical perspective, the very idea of compulsory vaccine certificates for church attendance seems contradictory to our fundamental understanding of church.  The identity of the church is defined by faith in Jesus, not any external circumstance.  There may be legitimate ways to facilitate this without damaging our understanding of church.  But at first glance, a separated church is spiritually distanced from a wholesome vision of church identity (1 Cor 12:12-14; Eph 2:11-22).  Nobody should be excluded from the body of Christ on the basis of a decision relating to their physical body.  I understand and respect leaders of other churches who have already made it clear that they will not lead a divided church, and who will not gather until all can gather.

However, this is not a simple matter of accommodating everyones perspective.  We are walking through a global health crisis that has claimed 5 million lives, which New Zealand has been sheltered from until now.  Therefore our church response needs to include an adequate consideration of the health issues involved. Pastors and church members are called to care for the whole congregation.  This will include: the immune compromised individual who medically cannot attend settings with unvaccinated people;  the teacher who may lose the job they felt called to;  the elderly who are vulnerable;  the parent, who is aware that all-inclusive settings are more risky for their children; pastors and leaders who carry the legal responsibility to ensure maximum safety, and also the spiritual responsibility to all within the church. It is natural that most individuals will view church decisions through their own circumstances. We need care-filled wisdom to give attention to all of the issues involved.

Christian faith and medical science

My Christian view on healthcare is that God designed and created the human body.  Those who have spent years studying and researching the human body and medicine will have trustworthy insight and understanding about our health.  The God of healing is interested in the health and care of our physical body.  God works through both supernatural healing and also works through practical care and medical intervention.  Generally I see medical advances as consistent with Christian faith, helpful to humanity and God-given.  However, some medical activity raises moral and ethical concerns, which also includes the financial greed related to medicine as an industry.  These issues need to be carefully evaluated in light of both Scripture and science-based expertise from qualified Christians in those settings.

One helpful example of examining these issues, is the extended conversation between a panel of NZ Christian experts, including a scientist, doctors and academics. Facilitated by Ven Dr Lyndon Drake, Archdeacon of Taamaki Makarau who also holds a PhD in Science. Lyndon is a leader I trust and know personally through his recent NZ Baptist leadership roles. (86mins) https://www.facebook.com/lyndondrake/videos/523072332106417/.

A health situation

Because COVID-19 is primarily a health situation, we need to listen to medical and scientific research.  As a pastor, I’m not qualified to offer this and cannot think of many pastors who are.  Whilst their voice may be persuasive and important from a religious standpoint, I don’t believe that pastors have credibility to advise on medical issues unless they are also qualified in this area.  On the basis of most current health advice, I see the vaccination program as the best option available in NZ right now to manage a very real COVID-19 crisis.  Therefore, I believe the vaccination is the best choice for the majority of people.  I urge individuals to follow the recommendations of health professionals.

I recognise that it is challenging to know which information to trust when there are conflicting views or potential ethical concerns.  One helpful approach is:  Firstly, to avoid opinions that are not backed by peer-reviewed scientific research; Secondly, when moral or ethical concerns are raised, to listen to the wisdom of qualified Christian professionals (doctors, scientists, academics) as they seek to address those concerns. This approach helps us avoid overreacting to speculation, and allows us to filter information through the expertise of Christians with specialisation in these areas.  Personally, I lean towards NZ and Australian based Christian health expertise.  This has helped me work through the medical concerns that have been raised.

One example of Christian critique, is this presentation by Dr James Yun, an Australian doctor representing the Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ocqg_WXNHgw

BioLogos is another helpful website which was set up a few years ago to provide believers with Biblical answers to medical questions. There are a number of links to short videos explaining the common questions: https://biologos.org/series/should-christians-take-the-vaccine.

For me it is important to continue hearing the perspectives of others. People regularly send me alternative content. I am no longer hearing anything new that I haven’t yet considered. But nor would I say that every issue has been fully reconciled. I would have preferred to wait longer for the vaccine, and I have concerns about those who have had reactions. But for me there was still enough evidence to demonstrate this was the best option, in spite of my unresolved concerns.

Respect for individual decisions

One of my recent goals has been to try to help people listen and understand each other. I had the privilege of writing an article in the Baptist magazine when the “traffic light system” was first announced. It was simply a list of questions compiled from various perspectives I was hearing, to help people understand and care for each other better, regardless of their stance: https://baptistmag.org.nz/red-orange-green-light-a-pastor-a-church-and-unity-in-christ/.

While I agree with the general recommendation for individuals to get vaccinated, I also understand and respect many individuals who for various reasons have chosen not to receive the vaccination.  Especially those with a medical condition where there is a known risk.  I agree that individuals should be free to choose or refuse any form of medical treatment.  In the same way that I would support someone with cancer, who chooses not to receive treatment.  Similarly, I share the Christian belief that our physical bodies need to be honoured as the temple of the Holy Spirit, and I respect those who carry a personal conviction that they should not take this vaccination.  In some ways this is similar to my support of those who have chosen to be vegan, abstain from alcohol, or cook their meat well done based on their interpretation of Scripture and personal conviction about what they ingest.  The apostle Paul addresses similar conscience issues in 1 Cor 8-10, and Romans 14 and calls the church to walk in unity despite their diverse decisions. Although we may arrive at varying conclusions, I pastorally support those who hold a conviction about their choices. The difference however, is that unlike decisions about food consumption, a personal vaccination decision affects other people.  

The rest of this article is based on the conclusion that COVID-19 is a very real health crisis, and that the ministry of health is offering the best medical and safety recommendations to minimise the impact of the virus.  Some individuals may disagree with this data, choose to take a personal risk, or play down the health situation, but I am not qualified to do so.  Neither for myself, my family, or for the church community that I lead.

Individual versus collective decisions

From a health perspective, experts inform us that unvaccinated people carry a higher risk of contracting and spreading the virus.  The vaccine reduces the risk.  Although it does not eliminate the risk (vaccinated people can still contract and spread the virus), we are told that the rate of infection is significantly lower.  It is important for the unvaccinated to evaluate the impact of their decision on others in the group settings they want to be involved in.  As COVID-19 cases increase within a community, it is reasonable to expect regular assurance of health.  In some settings it may not be possible to uphold both personal choice and collective participation.  Keeping in mind the genuine health concerns of the pandemic, the choice to prioritise personal freedom may be inseparable from the choice to reduce collective freedom in some situations.

In light of this, Christians need to approach decisions with the community in mind, not just their own individual preference.  Jesus calls followers to surrender their rights (laying down our lives for each other); to seek first the kingdom (not the individual); to love one another, and care for the vulnerable.  With this in mind, many Christians have decided to be vaccinated based on their commitment to the call of Christ to care for the community, as a priority that overrides their individual choice.

Vaccine mandates

Personally, I disagree with some decisions our government has made, and I consider that workplace mandates have been over-reaching.  I care about teachers, health care workers and others who have lost their jobs, and I don’t believe they should be in this situation.  I agree that safety is imperative, and that workers in these settings should provide regular proof of health or of vaccination.  But I believe there are different options that could have been considered, such as rapid antigen testing and alternative vaccines (alongside Pfizer).   In light of these different options, it might have been possible that any worker/employee could provide proof that they are free of the virus, instead of losing their job without the Pfizer vaccine.  This may have been costly, but I think employees should have been offered this option, because there are options available globally. I am supportive of those who are actively lobbying these issues. In every setting of concern, rapid testing could provide better proof of health than a vaccination could.  On that basis, I think it is wrong that people have lost their jobs, or been excluded from participation without an alternative option for testing.

Personally, I have signed the recent Family First petition calling for rapid antigen testing as an alternative for unvaccinated kiwis. https://familyfirst.org.nz/dontdivideus/

Gareth Jones, Emeritus Professor of Anatomy at Otago University, offers insights into a Christian response to vaccine mandates in the workplace.
https://baptistmag.org.nz/an-individuals-christian-response-to-a-vaccine-mandate-in-the-workplace/

Social concerns

Vaccination mandates and lockdown have raised many other social and political concerns. Here are some examples:

• Ethical concerns about Pfizer as an organisation, including corporate greed. In other circumstances we may choose to boycott an organisation, or refuse their products, but in this unique situation, it is practically illegal for some New Zealanders (eg teachers) to take this stance.
• Economic concerns about the financial impact of lockdown, and the incurred debt that will be carried by the next generation.
• Legal concerns about the far-reaching radical shift in employment relation decisions relating to vaccine mandates at present.
• Global concerns about low-vaccination rates in countries that are more vulnerable, at the expense of other wealthy nations like New Zealand, who have easy access and high-vaccination rates.
• Concerns about the disproportionate lack of focus on other issues that are statistically more costly and damaging to society, such as the health and societal damage relating to alcohol abuse.

It is important, but difficult to raise these concerns in the current climate.

Political views

Although I disagree with some government decisions, and I believe that individuals should be free to make their own choices, I do not support large-scale public protests that break the law during lockdown. This comes back to the understanding that there is a real health situation that needs to be managed and that we need to walk within the laws of the land.  

Similarly, I think we all need to recognise when our political opinions affect our perspective of this health situation. It is important to note that all major NZ political parties support vaccinations. As a Christian, I believe we are called to respect, pray for, and submit to our government (Rom 13:1-7). The exception would be if the government were silencing the gospel, or forcing me to do something that opposed God’s will.  From my perspective, this has not happened.  I am also deeply disturbed by the behaviour and language of Christians, using swearwords to name-call politicians, inciting violence against them, and ‘prophetically’ proclaiming their ruin.  I believe the heart of God would call us to pray for restoration rather than destruction of any individual.

End times

Some have expressed concern that the health measures that have been implemented might be sinister steps toward a level of control that will eventually be comparable to one of the most evil dictatorships in history.  Another Christian view is simply that the government is making short term decisions to manage a health crisis. On this basis, the health measures that have been implemented are interim short stages of response, rather than part of an extreme trajectory of evil. These phases are set to be reviewed at a certain point. And we are safeguarded by an election process.  This is how I see it.

As a pastor, I strongly disagree with any notion that the vaccination is a precursor to the ‘mark of the beast’.  This view does not hold credibility with Biblical scholars.  It is unfortunate that popular level fictional books like the Left Behind series, have caused some Christians to try to project current news events into their personal interpretation of the book of Revelation, or look for hidden modern meaning in Greek words. This is inconsistent with the expertise of Biblical language scholars and theologians.

The purpose of the next section of this article is to explain some of the pastoral, health and safety, and theological issues that churches need to consider. The intention is not to draw a conclusion yet, but to bring understanding to the complex issues, and to consider some missional responses.

Helpful theological views

Biblically, I cannot find any scripture that would prevent a decision to be vaccinated. However, there is biblical basis for respecting and including those who have come to a different personal decision. Reflecting on our Christian beliefs, these are a few other things to highlight at this time:

• Jesus Christ and the church: The people of God (the church) are defined by faith in Jesus, not on any other external factor. There must be no form of division that excludes our identity of belonging in Christ.
• People: Church is people, not the building, and not the method of gathering.  The practical way we conduct our church gatherings is less important than the people.
• Gathering: Sunday morning gatherings represent one component of church activity, but not the entire picture. Therefore, reshaping the way we gather on Sunday may not affect our ultimate identity as God’s people. In fact, reshaping our practice may strengthen the church.
• Great commission: Church is expressed through both gathering and going. God’s outward facing mission should be just as important as meeting together. Often our over-emphasis on gathering distorts our perspective of church, at the expense of the great commission.
• Caring for the vulnerable: the people of God seek to care for the vulnerable and to provide the safest environment for all. This includes consideration of health recommendations.

Church decisions

With these things in mind, we seek to find a pathway forward amidst a pandemic.  We prayerfully seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us in this unique season, toward settings that will prioritise God’s great commission.  This may stretch all of us outside of our personal comfort zone. Ideally we want to uphold both unity and safety of all; to work within government guidelines without diminishing the work of the kingdom; and to respect individual decisions whilst best managing the community implications of those decisions.

One example of an excellent application of Biblical Christ-shaped church unity in this vaccination discussion is Pastor Ken Keyte’s study on Philippians.
https://baptistmag.org.nz/cross-shaped-unity-for-church-through-the-covid-19-protection-framework/

Church inclusion and vaccine certificates

When evaluating decisions on the basis of genuine health concerns, vaccine certificates are considered the safest option.  And currently the only option for large gatherings. It is important to note that churches already operate within health and safety restrictions.  Every building complies with Fire Safety regulations, which include a restriction on the size of our gatherings.  It is already within our framework to establish limitations on our gatherings based on health and safety factors.  COVID-19 is another example of a health situation that needs to be managed within our church settings, whereby we seek to follow the recommendation of health professionals.  Some churches have already made a decision to use vaccine certificates. I understand and accept their decision, and the desire to care for people in this way.

Many alternative suggestions would compromise the leadership integrity of those who are required to deliver maximum safety for the vulnerable within the law.  Senior pastors hold personal liability for the safety for all who participate, in every church related setting. It is not realistic for an individual to expect a church to break the law, or to overlook general health guidelines in order to accommodate their personal position.

So to summarise these complexities: at “red-light”, a decision to support vaccine certificates would exclude individuals from some gatherings.  A decision for full participation would exclude everyone from gathering. Individual choices have collective implications.  Prioritising certain personal freedoms may be inseparable from factors that affect collective freedoms.  Pastors risk compromising their responsibility to safety and care for the vulnerable. There is no one-size-fits all solution or adequate alternative yet. Amidst this tension, my conviction is that the pandemic is to blame, not parliament. Nor should frustration be directed toward those with differing views on vaccination. Jesus is calling us to walk in unity of heart, with an openness to listen and care for one another.

Time offers wisdom

The perception of urgency is unhelpful. Given that we cannot quickly go back to the way things were, it is worthwhile to take time to seek wisdom and discernment.  Much damage could be caused by rushing to the wrong decision.  With Christmas and summer holidays approaching, it makes sense to utilise the holiday period for this process.  In our setting, this involves prayer, listening to our church family, observing Baptist recommendations https://www.baptist.org.nz/covid19/faq/, and recognising government guidelines as they become clearer.

Loving God and loving others is the right starting point for this conversation.  The framework of this great command will lead to the right decision for each church context.  I trust that God will lead our church community collectively in His time, and I’m open to whatever that may look like. I’m also comfortable, that the best response might look different for each church setting, depending on the people within the church, and the people God is calling them to reach and to love. I hope that churches may be able to recognise and honour each other in the outcomes of their decision making …rather than assuming that any different conclusion to ours must be wrong, as we so often do.

A creative relational opportunity

My observation (possibly too simplistic) is that some churches are primarily defined by the ‘Sunday morning gathering in a building’; and some churches are primarily defined by ‘God’s people seeking to share God’s kingdom in their neighbourhood’.  I’m noticing that individuals and churches that identify closest with the first category seem the most threatened by the current circumstances. Whereas the second category are enthusiastically finding new opportunities to share Jesus, regardless of the circumstances.  Our church, realistically, is probably in the first category, and I’m wondering if God is inviting all of us to see this as an opportunity: to discover new ways to make disciples of all nations, in fresh new settings …a bit like the church in Acts.

During a season of discernment, there is also an opportunity to grow deeper in smaller group settings in local neighbourhoods.  This could strengthen participation, faith, discipleship and mission.  This could help us engage better with our local outward facing ministry in our communities.  Regardless of decisions about vaccine certificates, I believe we are being called to invest our best energy into smaller group settings in this season.

Reshaping our church through close-knit geographic settings, will in turn bring strength to the whole body, when we are able to gather together.

Summary

All of the issues raised here so far contribute to the decisions about church gatherings and vaccine certificates.  To summarise:
Societal issues

• Our Christian beliefs inform our actions.
• There is a health situation that needs to be managed in society and in the church.  We need to be attuned to the professional advice of the medical and scientific community.
• The church needs to have a voice about societal issues, including advocating for more inclusive ways of managing COVID-19.
• Christians should not break the law as they protest.  We need to avoid the ongoing damage being caused, which is affecting our witness.
• We must not allow political opinion to distort our decisions on this health crisis.

Church decisions

• Good theology and care for the whole community needs to shape our decisions.
• Optimum safety is essential in church settings amidst this health crisis, and the church needs to abide by the law.
• We need to respect and seek to care for individuals who have come to a different conclusion about vaccination.
• At the same time, those who are unvaccinated need to be aware that this personal decision has an impact on others, because it is a health situation. Their personal choice will have a relational impact.
• Time will enable collective wisdom and discernment.
• Small group settings provide the best means to strengthen the church regardless of decisions about large gatherings.
• The great commission should inspire and shape our actions.

Jesus calls all of us to walk in a stance of humility and surrender. And we can trust him to lead us in this journey.

Thank you for being a Christ-like community of people, who are choosing to listen and care for one another, as we prayerfully seek God’s direction in these areas.

Grace and peace,

Tim Palmer

This post seeks to provide questions for personal consideration and discussion, following on from the Views on vaccination reflection. For any medical advice, I recommend that you consult your doctor.

The aim of these questions is to encourage thought provoking reflection, as we work towards unity.

These questions were offered by a range of people, and represent several different angles of the discussion.

I encourage you to read through, and then take time to sit with questions that stand out to you. Prayerfully respond to issues that may surface. Questions could also be explored with others. Aim to avoid defensiveness or personal attack, and to seek collective wisdom through listening and healthy dialogue.

Personal reflection questions

• What are your biggest concerns when it comes to the question of whether or not to be vaccinated?
• How is this discussion personally affecting you, your family, your friendships, your job?
• What fears have you experienced recently, and how is God enabling you to overcome this?
• What personal losses are you grieving at this time?
• What parts of Jesus’ teaching are shaping the way you approach this decision?
• Who is God asking you to love, care for, forgive, or be patient with?

Views on vaccination

• From the “Views of vaccination” document, which one do you relate to the most?
• What have you learned as you’ve taken time to listen to others who hold a different view?
• Why do you think Christians can arrive at so many different conclusions?
• Is your vaccination decision primarily based on: scientific medical recommendation, political views, spiritual beliefs, peer pressure, fear, alternative information, or something else.
• How have you determined which information you trust?

General questions

• How important is the freedom to choose what we put into our bodies? Are you happy for the state to make that choice for you?
• How do we uphold personal rights, societal responsibility, and Jesus’ call to lay down our lives?

Some cheeky gibes

• Would you be comfortable being with an unvaccinated person? If not, why? Does the vaccine not work?
• Are you following your doctors recommendations? If not, why? Are you more qualified than them?

Mandatory vaccinations from two angles

Questions of concern.

The NZ Bill of Rights Act 1990 describes the “Right to refuse to undergo medical treatment – everyone has the right to refuse to undergo any medical treatment” (Pt 11 NZ Bill of Rights).

• The vaccine mandate for teachers and medical staff seems to breach this legislation.
  How concerned are you, if the government is breaking this human rights law?

• Do you think that removing unvaccinated people from their jobs, and restricting their access in society is acceptable? How does this NZ Bill of Rights point affect your answer to this?

Contrasting questions.

Various immunisations (eg TB, measles, mumps, rubella, etc) were already compulsory for medical workers in some NZ primary health care settings. Similarly, with international travel, there were already vaccination requirements to enter many countries, meaning that travel was restricted on this basis.

• Given that there were already exclusions based on other vaccinations in these situations, how are the COVID-19 vaccine mandate restrictions any different?
• Do you think it is acceptable that the spread of COVID-19 amongst unvaccinated people in other nations, is overwhelming healthcare services, to the extent that other critical care cannot be provided? (link)

Comparing rights and freedoms

Not all rights / freedoms are equivalent. And some freedoms carry helpful restrictions.

To illustrate this: I believe in the freedom of religion, that enables me to believe in Jesus freely. This freedom is fundamental, to the extent that I’d be willing to die for this. I also believe in freedom of expression. However, some aspects of this freedom may receive a lower ranking in importance to me. I want to express myself by playing loud music at 2am. But in respect for society, there are noise control restrictions.

This is an example of a helpful restriction on personal freedom, for the benefit of society.

Let’s suppose that the right to freedom of religion received a 10/10 in importance, and the freedom of expression to play music loudly received a 1/10.

• What number would you place the right to receive medical care when you need it?
• What number would you place the right to refuse a medical treatment?
• What are some other examples of “helpful restriction on personal freedom”, for the benefit of society?
  How do you know where “my rights end”, and where “societies rights begin”?
• In what ways does your vaccination decision affect others? Is this mainly a personal or societal issue?
• In what circumstances would you feel that it is best to lay down your rights for the sake of others?
• Alternatively, in what circumstances would you feel that the government has taken too much control? What issue would you believe is significant enough to speak out, protest, or even to lose your job?

Some have compared NZ COVID-19 regulations to the Jewish loss of freedom under Nazi control.

• Is it reasonable to compare this situation with Holocaust? How are these comments offensive?
• Is the vaccine mandate more like: the Jews losing their freedom to live;
  OR New Zealander’s losing their freedom to drive without a seatbelt in the 1970’s? Why?

Church gatherings

• What are your biggest concerns about church gatherings and the COVID-19 vaccination?
• Would you be afraid to take communion with a person who is unvaccinated? Would you drink from the same cup? Or just each to their own little cup in separate wings of the church before a deep clean? …and only if the state allowed it?
• Who are the most vulnerable in our church? What is the best way to care for these ones?

One Christian considers that vaccine passports would encourage freedom to worship, because it provides more safety for more people. Another Christian considers that vaccine passports would threaten the freedom to worship.

• Whose freedom holds a higher priority? The individual or the collective group?
• What options for church gatherings could offer respect, care and understanding for all?
  (I’d gratefully welcome your suggestions on this if you’d like to email me ?)
• Alongside the vaccine, what other ways could ensure optimum safety for all in future gathering?

Some consider that the vulnerable (eg elderly, unwell, or immune compromised) have no ability to choose their health situation, whereas everyone has the ability to choose to be vaccinated.

• Is this accurate? And how does this impact the conversation?

Jesus calls us to lay down our lives for each other.

• Does that mean surrendering all of our rights? Or some? Which ones? When?
• What does unity look like in the body of Christ, between the vaccinated and the un-vaccinated?
• Have I felt hated or misunderstood? Who is Jesus calling me to forgive and to love?
• Have I made a group of people my new enemy? Who is Jesus calling me to love at this time? How?
• What are the next steps the Holy Spirit is leading me to take?

On a personal note, I want to express my care for you and openness to value you, regardless of your stance.

Tim Palmer, Franklin Baptist Church, Oct 2021

Jesus said, “by this all people will know that you are my disciples, by your love for one another”. John 13:35

The purpose of this reflection is simply to listen and understand the perspective of others. I’m trying to be a better listener when others have a view that’s different to mine. I’m really concerned about the division being caused by different opinions about vaccination. I have friends whose families are splitting through polarising disagreement. Friends who are likely to lose their job, and those who worry that the Christian community will exclude them from church gatherings.

I chose not to publicise my position on social media, because I was observing this growing division, and wanted to understand it better. I’ve found it helpful to hear and recognise at least 15x different perspectives, mostly from people I know, which I’ve tried to articulate below. There may be more, or combinations of these views. This has helped me to stop stereo-typing or allowing a particular group to become an enemy.

I’ve found myself respecting and sympathising with some of the concerns of my unvaccinated friends, some of whom would typically be pro-vaccination. It has been helpful. As a pastor I’m deeply disturbed about some “Christian” views that I believe are damaging. I’m also concerned for those who, for whatever reason, feel threatened by friends and family, to the point that they can’t make the decision they believe is right. Ultimately, I’m troubled by the increasing divisions.

Here are some examples of different perspectives I’m observing:

UNVACCINATED (despite usually being pro-vaccination).

1. Pro-vaccination generally, but unvaccinated because of caution about the Pfizer vaccine. They would be happy with a different COVID-19 vaccine option. Therefore they want to wait until another vaccine option is made available. Or they want more time for testing relating to the specific health conditions they have.
2. Pro-vaccination generally, but opposed to increasing government control and restrictions. They don’t believe it’s right for people to lose their jobs, or their rights, or be excluded from groups because of their personal choices. Therefore they’ve chosen not to have this vaccination as a way of standing for what they believe is right, or a form of protest.
3. Pro-vaccination generally, but anti- Pfizer, because of concerns about corruption, greed, and injustice within pharmaceutical companies. They feel that supporting this company is un-ethical.
4. Pro-vaccination, but in this case unvaccinated because of fear. Some want to be vaccinated but are experiencing significant pressure from peers and family who are opposed to the current situation. They’ve chosen not to have this vaccination out of genuine fear of rejection from family or friends, or the fear of what people are speculating about the vaccination.
5. Those who sense God has told them personally not to be vaccinated in this situation, or to wait. These ones walk closely with the Lord and have trusted his guidance through the years.
6. Those who are unable to be vaccinated, because of their health situation, as recommended by medical professionals.

ANTI-VACCINATION

1. Anti-vaccination, and they are being consistent with the position they have already held for years. There are a wide range of different views within the anti-vax community, ranging from health philosophies, to spirituality, to differing worldviews.
2. Anti-vaccination, based on conclusions they’ve come to by doing their own reading. Some question the credibility of the information most widely available.
3. Anti-vaccination, based on fear. For example, fear of making the wrong choice, or fear of the vaccine itself.
4. Anti-vaccination, based on speculation that the vaccination and restrictions are part of a political move to control people. These views may range from subtle concerns about vaccination passports, to theories about population control.
5. Anti-vaccination, may hold the views above, but also linked with a unique interpretation of the Bible. This view tries to place current events into the book of Revelation, anticipating a one world government, that introduces a “mark”, which will determine trade and restriction. For these ones, the vaccination is (or could be) seen as a “precursor” to this system, and is therefore aligning with evil and/or rebellion against God’s will.

VACCINATED

1. Vaccinated, in contrast to above, Christians who see science and medicine as a gift from God. These are drawn to research based recommendations. For them, the decision has not been based on fear or politics, and fits comfortably within their Biblical worldview. Some receive the vaccination as part of their Christian action and worship, in a desire to honour God, their community, and their own lives.
2. Vaccinated, because they trust the professional medical advice given by their doctor. Pfizer was considered the safest vaccine when NZ health professionals sought advice around the world.
3. Vaccinated, for society but against their own preference. They personally would have liked to wait or not be vaccinated, and would be comfortable to face the personal risk of getting COVID. But they recognise the pressure on our health system of a COVID outbreak, and want to support a strategy to reach a vaccination level target.
4. Vaccinated, just because everyone else is. They haven’t thought about wider issues in any depth, and are not bothered by this. They see no point in taking time to consider the medical, social, political or spiritual factors involved in the decision.
5. Vaccinated, based on fear of COVID-19 itself.
6. Vaccinated, based on negative pressure, from the work place, family or peers. Their decision was affected by concerns about potential for losing their job, or exclusion from family, groups or travel.

Personally, I was fully vaccinated last month, and identify most with #12 and #14. I’m not hearing all of these views represented evenly across society. The vast majority of my peers and connections have embraced this vaccination. There are views on the list that I deeply disagree with. However my current concern is that we treat one another with respect when we see things differently. I do not believe that there is any place for division on this issue. Personally I disagree with potential restrictions on church gatherings based exclusively on immunisation. I am concerned if this issue causes Christians to break fellowship with others.

Jesus calls us to love as we have been loved. To be a neighbour to the “stranger” who is different from us. He said that love would be a witness to the world, that they may know we are His followers. I believe that we can and must find ways to walk together in unity.

Grace and peace,
Tim Palmer

P.S. I’d like to follow up this reflection with some questions for us to consider personally, and to discuss collectively as we move toward regathering again.

(Note – This document was originally intended for a specific local church context)