Please read the memo from the Diocese of Rockville regarding the vaccines for Covid-19 which is enclosed in this Sunday’s bulletin. Please also refer to the USCCB document MORALCONSIDERATIONS REGARDING THE NEW COVID-19 VACCINES which is found in www.usccb.org.
Unfortunately, due to abortion being legal in the United States, there are vaccines that have been
tested in connection with human aborted tissue and as well in its design that are now available for
use.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been tested in connection with human aborted tissue. Even worse, the Astra Zeneca vaccine not only has been tested in connection with human tissue but also this vaccine is linked with human aborted tissue in its design.
Given the grave situation during this pandemic, it is permissible to use these vaccines if no other alternative is available for the purpose of saving lives. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops state that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine ought to be understood as an act of charity toward the other members of our community. In this way, being vaccinated safely against COVID19 should be considered an act of love of our neighbor and part of our moral responsibility for the common good.
Can a Catholic take a Covid-19 Vaccine? The answer is ideally a person should receive a vaccine that has no connection to abortion. Because there are no vaccines that are currently available that have no connection to abortion, a Catholic can take a vaccine that has a connection with abortion if no other alternative is available for the sake of the common good and as an act of charity.
Even though taking Covid-19 Vaccine is considered an act of charity, a Catholic is not obligated to take these vaccines. It is neither a sin to take these vaccines if no other alternative exists, nor is a sin to refrain from taking any vaccine.
In no way is the Catholic Church in support of abortion. Pharmaceutical Companies should develop vaccines that have no connection with abortion. This ensures life was protected from its design and testing and use all for the purpose of saving lives. Fortunately, there are pharmaceutical companies that are developing vaccines that have no connection at all with abortion. Let us pray that these vaccines will be available for use in the near future.
In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Jeff Yildirmaz
