This post will be a different flavor than most of my previous ones, and addresses a specific audience. I am a practicing member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (sometimes called Mormons), and would like to address this post primarily to fellow members of the church.
On August 12, 2021, the global leadership of the church (The First Presidency) released a statement by email to the entire church membership urging members to fight the pandemic by wearing masks or social distancing in public meetings, and to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This statement is in full congruence with previous conference teachings during the pandemic urging compliance with health recommendations, existing church policies on vaccinations ( 1978 Immunization statement , church handbook section o
As the pandemic has evolved, many measures to manage it have unfortunately evolved into political issues, fueled by torrents of medical commentary, blatant misinformation, media sensationalism, conspiracy theories, protests, and ideological politicking for popular support. This has caused a great deal of confusion and division within all parts of our world, including within the church. Many church members hold political views (on both sides of the spectrum) that sometimes conflict with the teachings and dir