As much as I long to write a spiritual thought having nothing to do with the pandemic, this is not one of those times.
This past week, my church has released a statement urging everyone to wear masks and to be vaccinated. Since this is such a short statement, I'll include the entirety of its body here:
We find ourselves fighting a war against the ravages of COVID-19 and its variants, an unrelenting pandemic. We want to do all we can to limit the spread of these viruses. We know that protection from the diseases they cause can only be achieved by immunizing a very high percentage of the population.
To limit exposure to these viruses, we urge the use of face masks in public meetings whenever social distancing is not possible. To provide personal protection from such severe infections, we urge individuals to be vaccinated. Available vaccines have proven to be both safe and effective.
We can win this war if everyone will follow the wise and thoughtful recommendations of medical experts and government leaders. Please know of our sincere love and great concern for all of God’s children.
In my own humble opinion, this announcement should have been made months ago, but I can also see their wisdom in waiting. As it happened, a few members of the Church have responded with hostility and much antagonism. I think Church leaders took the chance now to make this announcement only because of the urgency of Delta.
Actually, I think most of the members are taking this announcement in the correct light and taking measures. My area is now going to enforce the wearing of masks in church, and I expect this will be the case across the US and in other countries heavily bombarded by Delta. I've also read from some members saying that even though they have resisted masks and vaccines, they will now mask up and get vaccinated because the prophets have told them to. With this in mind, I expect to see vaccination rates increase in Utah.
Some people have even likened this announcement to Moses' placing the brass snake up for people to look to and live -- a concept I mentioned a few months ago. (Heh.)
However, the few members who are reeling are very loud on social media, and I'll go ahead and say it: the anger is coming from all sides.
Those who tend to be anti-mask and anti-vax are saying that the Church leaders are overreaching and becoming too political. Some have said that they will stop coming to church (which is kind-of an empty statement when most units are still broadcasting sacrament meetings). Some feel attacked -- they see this announcement as a type of "get with the program or else" message. They feel pressured and judged by their own peers.
Those who have strived to follow the mask and vaccine instructions are angry at the first group for being "selfish," or "hard-hearted," or for helping to prolong the pandemic. I've even read some comments that say that these people are guilty of manslaughter and how God is going to judge them harshly. Yeah -- wowzers.
Even in my music world, this Church announcement has triggered near-vigorous debates as to whether or not ward choir directors should help enforce and urge the wearing of masks and getting vaccinated. The moderators in that group have even had to moderate both sides from getting out of hand.
Reading all these surprising comments has put more hair on my chest, and it makes me think: are we this bad that we can't handle a simple announcement from our leaders? Why are so many people taking it so personally and reading so much into the announcement that just isn't in there?
And then this morning I read from our weekly reading (D&C 88:91):
And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men's hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people.
And then I realized: we members of the Church are not immune. If we are living a Christlike life and holding to the Gospel, then there is no need to fear. No need to be contentious, judgmental, nor condemning.
If you haven't read last month's post, I strongly recommend it for today's time. Especially note the part where I express concern where I may be judged for possibly pushing people away from the truth and closer to death.
When it comes down to it, the statement is just three old guys who are concerned over the safety of the members they are leading, one of whom is a very knowledgeable and experienced medical professional. There is nothing at all political in the statement. It is a desperate call for action against a foe in a "war" that we're currently losing. They aren't mandating anything. They're in no way threatening to take away anyone's temple recommends. They are simply asking us all to chip in and do our parts. That's right -- asking. Lift where we stand.
And we can do whatever we want with it. If we don't want to get vaccinated, we can simply just wear a mask at church. If we don't want to mask up, we can watch church from home. Whatever we're willing to do, the Church is doing its best to make sure we can all participate so we can enjoy all the blessings church attendance provides.
I wish you all well. I also ask you to watch your hearts, and make sure they don't fail. This by no means means that all discussion has to stop. But we should make sure to continue loving our neighbors, and we can get through this together.
