The size of the rifts within and between various religious denominations over COVID-19 vaccines, which have been getting maximum exposure over the past week, highlights some of the hindrances to getting the pandemic under control in this country.
Given the critical role played by faith-based organizations in our multi-ethnic, multi-cultural society, there is an opportunity for religious leaders to be at the forefront, encouraging people to make informed decisions about the disease and the vaccine.
It was unfortunate, therefore, that a recent online briefing hosted by the group TT Response, which claims to represent several local full gospel churches, was used to propagate anti-vaccine sentiments.
Spokespersons for the group, Pastors Victor Gill, and Lennox Grant, demonized the COVID-19 vaccine, the policies of the Rowley administration and even spent some time advocating for the controversial drug Ivermectin as “an efficacious cure for COVID-19.”
Thankfully, statements from two established Christian organizations, the Open Bible Standard Churches and the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies (PAWI), released soon after the TT Response news conference, provided different perspectives on the issue.
While maintaining that the choice to take the vaccine is an individual one, Open Bible, which has been operating in this country for more than seven decades, has been encouraging its members to get vaccinated. Further, the group advises members with concerns to consult trusted medical professionals.
PAWI spoke out against the spread of misinformation and said it does not hold the view the COVID-19 vaccine is the mark of the beast. They support “a biblical worldview, with a balanced and common-sense perspective, with the understanding that God also provides physical help in times of trouble.”
These groups are to be applauded for providing a level-headed perspective, fully understanding the vital role they play amidst all the vaccine hesitancy and concern.
It is the type of leadership needed in these uncertain times to help citizens navigate through the pandemic. In that regard, the examples shown by Roman Catholic Archbishop Jason Gordon, spiritual leader of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha Dharmacharya Pundit Dr Rampersad Parasram and other religious leaders are to be applauded.
There have been very divergent views about the pandemic across every religious denomination and belief system that exists on this planet, with some working to instil confidence in the vaccines and promote social trust, while others have subscribed to myths, promoting wild conspiracy theories, including that the vaccine contains a microchip for tracking or has byproducts from aborted foetuses.
Many people rely on their faith leaders for guidance and counsel and religious bodies are vital stakeholders in this society. At an earlier stage in the pandemic, they were among those who partnered with the government for the distribution of food relief to families affected by the loss of income due to COVID-19.
Their support in the promotion of vaccine acceptance and adherence to the public health protocols can help turn the situation in T&T in a positive direction.
All people of faith should be encouraged by their leaders to investigate, make informed decisions, and not take life for granted.
Faith, not fear, will safely get us through this pandemic.