First Presidency Issues Statement Urging Church Members To Wear Masks, Get Vaccinated

SALT LAKE CITY — The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has issued a statement urging members to get vaccinated and wear face coverings as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surge nationwide due to the delta variant.

The statement was issued to Church members around the world Thursday.

“We find ourselves fighting a war against the ravages of COVID-19 and its variants, an unrelenting pandemic,” the statement read. “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.

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent the following message today to Church members around the world: https://t.co/rMWiCngVnC

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) August 12, 2021

“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, members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and most of their spouses received their first doses of the vaccine in January.

The Church has also encouraged missionaries and prospective missionaries to get vaccinated. Officials said missionaries who choose not to receive their required immunizations, which now includes COVID-19 vaccines, will be assigned to a mission in their home country, in accordance with existing Church policies.

“In word and deed, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has supported vaccinations for generations,” according to a January statement from The First Presidency. “As a prominent component of our humanitarian efforts, the Church has funded, distributed and administered life-saving vaccines throughout the world. Vaccinations have helped curb or eliminate devastating communicable diseases, such as polio, diphtheria, tetanus, smallpox and measles. Vaccinations administered by competent medical professionals protect health and preserve life.”