SPOKANE, Wash. — The Catholic Diocese of Spokane responded to Washington Governor Jay Inslee's COVID-19 vaccine requirement for K-12 teachers.
Most Rev. Thomas Daily, Catholic Bishop of Spokane, released a statement on Thursday that highlights the importance of vaccination, but also why people who want to object for a reason of religion or conscience may do so in accord with church teaching. Pope Francis recently issued a public service announcement insisting that vaccines are safe, effective and an “act of love.”
Daly wrote in the statement that the Church has "made it clear that it is morally permissible to be vaccinated against COVID-19." However, Daly said those with health concerns or moral objections should not be "forced into being vaccinated."
"I am very much aware that some individuals struggle with poor health, underlying medical issues, or sincere moral objections to vaccines. It is important to remember that in Catholic moral theology, a person’s conscience may not be violated," Daly's statement reads in part.
"We who are bishops and priests are called to assist with informing a person’s conscience. We do not replace one’s conscience. If a person has health concerns or moral objections about vaccines, he or she should not be forced into being vaccinated. Moreover, priests should not be involved in signing any document concerning the conscience of another," the statement continues.
On Wednesday, Gov. Inslee announced a statewide indoor mask mandate regardless of vaccination status effective Monday, Aug. 23. The mandate requires people to wear a mask during parish events, including Mass. Inslee also announced a COVID-19 vaccination mandate for all employees working in K-12 schools and higher education, including private and religious schools.
This means that educators, staff, coaches, bus drivers and school volunteers in Washington state will have until Oct. 18 to be fully vaccinated or face losing their job.
Washington state isn’t allowing a philosophical statement exemption option like it has for other required vaccines. However, as required by law, there are certain exemptions to the mandate based on medical or religious reasons.
In his statement, Daly said the diocese encourages vaccinations but does not "intend on violating the consciences of our Catholic school teachers nor do we intend on vouching for another person’s conscience."
"We are in conversation with civic and health officials about government mandated vaccination requirements and will offer further guidance to parish and school personnel in due time," the statement reads.
Editor's note: The Diocese of Spokane clarified that Bishop Daly's position on COVID-19 vaccines is not opposing the Pope's encouragement to take the vaccine, nor is this statement meant to oppose the Governor's mandate. Instead it looks at how people who want to object for a reason of religion or conscience may do so in accord with church teaching, especially in light of the guidance that has been given by the Vatican.
