Aug. 12 First Presidency releases message urging Latter-day Saints to wear masks and be vaccinated. President Dallin H. Oaks speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Annual General Conference on April 5, 2020. Credit: Screenshot, ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Sarah Jane Weaver hosted Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf on her podcast to talk about applying the lessons learned about missionary work during the pandemic. She uncovered some interesting findings and interviewed people on both sides of the issue. , The photo is one she included as a submission to the Church History Departments project of documenting missionary experiences during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, which drew 7,000 online entries from missionaries and mission leaders worldwide. In March 2020, church leaders suspended all church gatherings and closed Healthcare workers prepare to administer COVID-19 tests on members of the Tabernacle Choir and members of the media on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, leading up to the Latter-day Saint music groups first in-person rehearsal since the beginning of the pandemic. Get the best from CT editors, delivered straight to your inbox! The most trusted members of many communities are in our churches. Others are spreading misinformation. How can we say that theres a blanket statement that applies to everyone regardless of their personal revelation, said Chevrier, whos based in American Fork, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City. The common perception of Mormons and Mormonism is that when church leaders speak, church members listen and do what theyre told, said Mason. Oct. 2 and 3 For the first time in two years, general conference returns to the Conference Center auditorium, with live music from the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square; the multicultural choir planned for April 2020 conference also performs. Allen, a church member living in Wisconsin, is among a contingent who fear fellow members who refuse to get vaccinated are allowing their political views to supersede their loyalty to a faith that largely prioritizes unity and obedience. Feb. 12 Utah Area Presidency again updates COVID-19 safety measures with focus on Primary children, meetings and activities. Regardless of the reason, it is important for unvaccinated congregants everywhere to be able to gather safely with others in their churches. The Religious Leaders Caught in the Vaccine Wars People seeking to obtain an exemption from the shot have found that some clergy see no theological April 2 COVID-19 cases top 1 million people in 171 countries across six continents, death toll at least 51,000. March 25 First Presidency announces all temples to close; 111 of 168 temples were closed at time of the announcement. Dec. 30 Provo MTC implements additional COVID-19 protocols after 91 of 588 missionaries test positive. A lack of information, general distrust of vaccines and conspiracy theories emerged as the predominant sentiments. Nov. 29 Christmas on Temple Square kicks off with a virtual concert titled Witnesses of Christ.. April 24 Global death toll surpasses 200,000. Fortunately, most scientists believe current COVID-19 vaccines should remain effective against these variants. The media will report on these issues in the months ahead, and church plans may need to adjust as new information becomes available. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Russell M. Nelson speaks during a news conference on June 14, 2021, in Salt Lake City. Chevrier, who is a member of the faith, said she rejects the idea that people who are anti-vaccine are apostates. I'm telling you right now, do not get vaccinated. A decision by federal officials to use updated COVID-19 vaccines was not made because Activities that carry a higher risk of airborne COVID-19 transmission should start only when infection rate is low, while those with a lower risk can start at a higher infection rate. Aug. 2 Church History Museum and Beehive House reopen after COVID-19 closures. Web274 likes, 40 comments - Jamaica Observer (@jamaicaobserver) on Instagram: "There were mixed views among some Jamaican church leaders on the taking of the COVID-19 Oh, I'm not sure of myself. Religious Leaders Play A Key Role In People's Decision To Get Divisions on masking and vaccinations in the Latter-day Saint faith appear to be tracking along political lines, with conservative members being more hesitant, said Patrick Mason, associate professor of religion at Utah State University. One confusing aspect is that COVID-19 case rates are sometimes presented as the total number of cases over 7 or 14 days per 100,000 residents instead of the daily number of cases per 100,000 residents. And the science has shown clearly that the coronavirus is far deadlier than the flu. He even has a tattoo on his bicep that says fear is a liar. 1 of 3. April 29-30 BYU Womens Conference held virtually, includes sessions streamed live from the Marriott Center in English, Spanish and Portuguese. When we gather with others in our churches, we can love our brothers and sisters by protecting them from the harm of this virus. Oct. 4-5 General conference is broadcast from the Conference Center Theater and closed to the public. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints The available COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and provide protection against severe infections, the First