We Say – Churches, wake up

Churches, wake up

When Mahurangi Matters contacted local hospitality businesses over their vaccination policies, it was expecting a howl of protest of the soon to be introduced “traffic light system”, which will require them to check whether their patrons are vaccinated against Covid-19.

Wasn’t this just adding an additional burden to businesses who have endured only a limited ability to trade for months? And in addition to the logistical challenges, who would fancy dealing with the odd stroppy character who wants to make a scene over it. But far from complaining, businesses have showed a firm grasp of their responsibility for the safety of their customers, their staff and the wider community.

It’s disappointing, then, to see churches appearing to drag their heels. This is especially true given churches are known to have been super-spreaders of Covid in the past. Back in September, half the Delta cases in Auckland could be linked to one church group in Mangere. Despite this, Snells Beach Baptist says it will not be checking vaccine certificates and others are still figuring out their policy.

Now it’s true that churches’ responsibilities go beyond the provision of food and drink – they are there to nourish the soul, and this includes the unvaccinated as well as the vaccinated. But one suspects no church would tolerate having a crazy person carelessly waving around a loaded gun during a service. Yes, the crazy person surely needs spiritual help, but you do not help them by allowing them to continue to wave the gun. You help them by disarming them and preventing them from being a threat to others.

Similarly, you don’t provide real help to the person who obstinately remains unvaccinated by allowing them to come to church and posing a higher risk of spreading a dangerous and often fatal disease. Come on, churches. When the traffic light system comes in, insist eligible congregants are fully vaccinated.