Aligning Christian Conviction with Science
Vaccines are safe and accessible, but they are also our individual decision to make. As many Christians think about getting the vaccine, they want to make sure it aligns with their other convictions—especially the right to life.
Faith Voters has compiled helpful information about Christian ethics and COVID vaccine production.
Understanding the Ethics of Vaccine Production
Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines do not contain any aborted fetal cells.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was developed with technology that uses fetal stem cells, and Baptist and Catholic leaders have encouraged pro-life Christians to pick Moderna and Pfizer if given the option.
Fetal line cells are cells that are lab grown from the remnants of fetal cells recovered from an abortion in the Netherlands in the 1960s. These cells are not taken directly from an aborted baby.
What Faith Leaders Are Saying About the Vaccine
Franklin Graham, evangelical leader
“I want people to know that COVID-19 can kill you," Graham said. “But we have a vaccine out there that could possibly save your life. And if you wait, it could be too late.”
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Pope Francis
Catholic Church
Pope Francis has called the COVID-19 vaccine ethical and necessary.
“I believe that ethically everyone should take the vaccine,” the Pope said in an interview. “It is an ethical choice because you are gambling with your health, with your life, but you are also gambling with the lives of others.
Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict were both vaccinated at the Vatican.
russell Moore
President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention
Russell Moore says that “As people committed to the dignity and sanctity of human life” we should always stand up for life, both the born and unborn.
He encourages other Pro-Life believers to vaccinate, saying “Taking the COVID vaccine is morally right.”
What Pro-Life organizations are saying?
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which says fighting abortion is its “preeminent” mission, encouraged people of faith to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The chairmen of its Committee on Doctrine and Committee on Pro-Life Activities explained:
“Receiving one of the COVID-19 vaccines ought to be understood as an act of charity toward the other members of our community. In this way, being vaccinated safely against COVID-19 should be considered an act of love of our neighbor and part of our moral responsibility for the common good.”
Another statement further explained, ““If one has the ability to choose a vaccine, Pfizer or Moderna’s vaccines should be chosen over Johnson & Johnson’s.” The USCCB also added that if no other choice is available, taking the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is morally acceptable and in-line with Pro-Life values.
More information on the reasoning behind the decision can be found here.
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“This vaccine is something that’s in not only our own best interests, but also in that of our neighbors.”