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Thread:
Info on Cdn major religions’ stances on Covid-19 vaccinations, article(s) and a tweet for each major religion, put together to counter the anti-vaxxer’s talking point/excuse of avoiding Covid-19 vaccinations on religious grounds.
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Before adding tweets to this thread, per religion, here is a graphic with the distribution of religious affiliations, population aged 15 and older, Canada, 2017 to 2019 Statistics Canada www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-…
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On ingredients:
(Abbrev) “[S]ome religions prohibit the use of certain byproducts like beef, pork or stem cells [but] none of those ingredients are proven to be included in any of the COVID-19 vaccines.” globalnews.ca/news/8251956/c…
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Per chart in tweet 2/, 63.2% of Cdns have a Christian affiliation. I include separate major Christian orgs, since vaccine policy not necessarily the same between them. Also include other major religions. Also note the 26.3% of Cdns with “no religion or secular perspectives”
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Catholic
“Pope says he doesn't understand why people refuse COVID-19 vaccines” (CBC News, Sept 15, 2021) cbc.ca/news/world/pop…
(2011 StatCan: 12,810,705 affiliated as Catholic divided by 2011 pop’n 32,852,320 = 39% Cdns)
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Evangelical Fellowship of Cda pres. Clemenger (abbrev) “One way we can love our neighbours is by … getting vaccinated.” (Maclean’s, May 21, 2021)
“[E]vangelicals compose around 10 per cent of the population of Canada.” (Maclean’s, Dec 27, 2017)
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United Church of Canada
(abbrev) “Board of Vocation expects all ministry actively serving be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless med exempt.” united-church.ca/leadership/sup…
(6.1% Cdns, 2011 StatCan)
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Anglican Church of Cda
(abbrev) “We strongly recommend vaccination for all who are able” (Bishop addresses COVID-19 vaccination, Sept 14, 2021) toronto.anglican.ca/from-our-bisho…
(4.9% Cdns, 2011 StatCan)
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Islam
“Canadian imams urge Muslim community to get vaccinated by holding vaccine lottery. The group says not getting vaccinated goes against the teachings of Islam” (CBC News, Aug. 25, 2021)
(3.7% Cdns identify as Muslim, per 2019 StatCan. See tweet 2/)
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Hinduism
“Hinduism has no prohibition against vaccines. While Hindus venerate cows, trace bovine components of certain vaccines have not been identified as a theological concern.” (Immunizations & Religion. Vanderbilt U Med Center)
(1.7% Cdns. See tweet 2/)
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(abbrev) “Hindus have no theological objection to COVID-19 vaccinations […] does not seem to be in conflict with religious tenets & practices of Hinduism, the oldest & third largest religion of the world w about 1.2 B adherents.” (India West, Oct 11, 2021)
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Sikhism
@WorldSikhOrg – the World Sikh Organization of Canada - has organized numerous pop-up clinics, collaborated with others, and advocated for Cdn Sikhs receiving their Covid-19 vaccinations.
(Per StatCan 2011, ±1.4% Cdns affiliate as Silkh)
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(In US) “Sikh Coalition remains committed to providing critical info … helping every Sikh in US understand the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19.” sikhcoalition.org/our-work/empow…
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Buddhism
“Covid: Dalai Lama urges others to get vaccinated as he receives first shot” (BBC News, Mar 7, 2021) bbc.com/news/world-asi…
(1.4% of Cdns. See tweet 2/)
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Judaism
“[M]essages from Israel's Health Min: "A religious ruling! The great rabbis of Israel instruct to get vaccinated." (“How Israel Persuaded Reluctant Ultra-Orthodox Jews To Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19” NPR, April 22, 2021)
(1.0% of Cdns. See tweet 2/)
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LDS Church (Mormon)
“First Presidency Urges Latter-day Saints … Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19” (Aug. 12, 2021) newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/first-…
199,054 members in Cda, approx. half of 1% of Cda’s population.
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Mennonite Church Cda “there is nothing in the Bible … in our theology or in our ecclesiology that justifies granting a religious exemption from vaccinations against COVID-19.” mcab.ca/religious_exem…
≈200,000 in 2011 (per Cdn Encyclopedia), approx. half of 1% Cdns
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“Jehovah’s Witnesses are not opposed … Many choose to get vaccinated.” (JW’ FAQ: “Are Jehovah’s Witnesses Opposed to Vaccination? No.” jw.org/en/jehovahs-wi…
115,661 = approx. a third of 1% Cdns
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Note, any errors are mine. Also, if anyone has more info they think belongs in this thread on religious exemption, let me know. I haven't added any minor religions that do provide exemptions yet but wished to make the point that the major ones support vaccinations.
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Presbyterian Church in Canada
(Abbrev) "Our common faith calls us to ... demonstrate love for our neighbour & care for all ppl, especially most vulnerable. Being vxd according to public health rec's helps us to live this faith."
(1.3% of Cdns)
presbyterian.ca/2021/10/27/vac…
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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada (abbrev) “[D]ecision to receive COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against deadly virus, also an act of Christian love for & unity of our fellow bros & sisters.” (Orthodox Times, Jul 01, 2021)
(2011 StatCan all Christian Orthodox Cdns ±1.7%)
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Lutheran Church in Canada
(abbrev) Rev Parker, pastor at Sherwood Park Lutheran Church, said: “I don’t really see any place from a faith perspective that we would be able to say ‘no’ to the vaccine.” (CTV News, Oct 29, 2021)
(Per StatCan 2011, 1.5% Cdns are Lutheran)
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