The unholy Trinity of vaccine mandate

There is a risk of myocarditis and pericarditis (particularly in young men), blood clots, Guillain Barre Syndrome, and other severe side-effects depending on the vaccine type being used. And that’s what we know about.

It will be years before we know what the long-term effects and the risks of the vaccines may be. Thalidomide was initially thought to be very safe for pregnant women, until it wasn’t.

Given the balance of risk, there is no justification for younger congregational members to be coerced into Covid vaccination.

I’m probably dreaming, but I’d like to see the churches expunge their guilt for their moral failings of the recent past through proper analysis and advocacy in the present. It’s obvious that the civil powers are trapped by past bad decisions, duplicity, and a need to get elected.

The churches need to think logically and be clear with their congregations. There is no valid reason to discriminate against any individual on the basis of their vaccination status. Rather, parishioners should be urged to take control of monitoring their own health for signs they might be infectious.

If they must, put thermometers and rapid antigen tests next to the holy water by the door – but please don’t check the login apps for green ticks.

There are three vaccines available in Australia, another one to be approved, plus other therapies that can deal with Covid (like monoclonal antibodies). The church should not be mandating one approach over the others, particularly when its express aim – to protect the vulnerable – will not be achieved by that mandate.

Let their followers find their own way to health, just as they find their own way to salvation.