With Covid-19 still taking a toll across Europe, Catholic bishops are backing vaccination campaigns, while also counselling against coercion.
In Germany, where Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government has warned of tougher restrictions on those refusing jabs, the president of the bishops’ conference said in late July that vaccination should be a personal choice, but he urged Catholics to get vaccinated to ensure that freedoms would not be withdrawn again if there were a new spike after the summer.
“I share the concerns of politicians – we will only defeat this virus if we all pull together,” Bishop Georg Bätzing said in a statement.
“To be vaccinated means more protection and freedom not just for you, but for everyone in society. It therefore expresses solidarity and charity.”
Vaccinations
The Church in Germany’s internet portal, Katholisch.de, debated August 4 whether vaccinations should be compulsory for Mass attendance to make the Church a “moral pioneer.”
“It would clearly signal the church was standing behind science and advocating solidarity, as well as using her authority for something good and countering the many negative headlines and scandals,” the website commentary said.
“Even with increasing infections, church services could stay lively, with singing choirs, peace handshakes and a carefree reception of Communion.”
However, another commentary said excluding the nonvaccinated would be “incompatible with the Christian message.”
In neighbouring France, beginning August 9, people wanting to participate in leisure activities or use public transportation will need proof of vaccination, a negative Covid-19 test or proof of recent recovery. Catholic bishops have backed compulsory vaccination for certain groups, despite widespread protests.
“The vaccination is a medical response for coping with an epidemic that risks further paralysing economic and social life,” the bishops’ conference said July 22.
“By making it compulsory for some and by imposing a health pass for certain activities, the government is fulfilling its legitimate responsibilities. … It is imposing restrictions on those who refuse the vaccine.”
However, Archbishop Pierre d’Ornellas, who heads the French bishops’ bioethics group, said in an August 2 website statement a “more tolerant approach” was needed for those with “legitimate hesitations and fears” about civil liberties.