Confusing religion with self-centered individualism

We have an opportunity in Connecticut to strengthen our vaccine policies and protect our most vulnerable neighbors. Unfortunately, religious freedom and personal choice have been the central themes expressed by the opposition to proposed legislation in our state.

Bills under consideration seek to eliminate the “religious exemption” while strengthening the medical exemption that currently exists. Religion has been co-opted in the argument as more and more parents have chosen to opt out of lifesaving vaccines for personal reasons. Under current law, any parent may submit a form or write a letter claiming a religious exemption. The exemption does not require the endorsement of a religious leader of any kind.

Given that consideration for others and care of community lies at the heart of so many faith traditions, this preoccupation with the self is very concerning — especially in the midst of a pandemic. Comprehensive vaccine programs are the cornerstone of good public health. They protect our communities by ensuring the well-being of our most vulnerable neighbors, which is of the utmost importance in Judaism, Christianity, Islam and many more faith traditions.

Prompted by COVID-19, the Vatican recently confirmed its policy on vaccines by saying Roman Catholics “have a moral responsibility to get vaccinated” since refusing a vaccine can put others at risk. Pope Francis called the COVID-19 vaccine “an ethical choice for all.” In Judaism, religious leaders have declared that there is no basis for any religious exemption. In fact, there is a clear obligation to protect the health of children and to protect others through vaccination.

We are disheartened by the debate and repeated comments that we have heard from parents unwilling to vaccinate their children for a variety of reasons, none of which are based in religious doctrine — that is, except the doctrine of rational egoism and self-centered individualism. Our faith informs our desire to consider the needs of the community and the potential for a compassionate society in which we have a responsibility to one another.

Herd immunity is the resistance to the spread of a contagious disease within a community when a sufficiently high proportion of individuals are immune because of vaccination. One might say that we have a moral responsibility to work toward herd immunity.

Unfortunately, in some parts of the United States, including most recently New York, nonmedical exemptions were used to skip vaccines for measles. The largest measles outbreak in the country led to swift action in New York where lawmakers revoked the nonmedical exemption for mandatory school vaccinations.

At the recent public hearing before the Public Health Committee, we heard from parents who moved to our state because of the action in New York. We must not face a similar crisis here in Connecticut, in the name of religion. It is our responsibility to speak up and be heard when the actions of a vocal minority are putting others at risk.

We are the community. We are the herd. And we must do our part to ensure the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable neighbors. The General Assembly should do its part and remove the religious exemption, and we all must do our part to care for each other.

The Rev. Curtis Farr, Rector, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Fairfield

The Rev. Alice Mindrum, Priest Affiliate, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Fairfield

The Rev. Kevin Olds, Rector, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Fairfield

The Rev. Cass Shaw, President & CEO, The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport

The Rev. David Spollett, Pastor, First Church (UCC), Fairfield