SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Aug. 12, 2021 (Gephardt Daily) — The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent a message to church members around the world Thursday urging them to get vaccinated and wear masks in public settings.
The message reads, in full:
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
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.
The First Presidency
Russell M. Nelson
Dallin H. Oaks
Henry B. Eyring
Nelson called the COVID-19 vaccine a “godsend” in a January social media post after he received his first shot.
The First Presidency the same day released a statement urging church members to be vaccinated.
