A California pastor gave out COVID-19 vaccine exemption letters to church members who don’t want to get the vaccine.
Pastor Greg Fairrington of Destiny Christian Church says he’s not against vaccinations but wants people to make their own decisions. “I am not antivaccination. Don’t get me wrong,” said Fairrington.” But I am ‘pro-freedom.'” Destiny Christian Church is located in Placer County in Northern California.
“There’s freedom of religion. That’s what is born at the heart of America,” Fairrington said, explaining that just as a person can choose their faith, they should also be able to choose not to get the vaccine.
The church’s exemption letter reads: “As a religious leader in the Evangelical Church, I affirm the qualification of religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination and certify the statements in Exemption from v. 2021 to be accurate and visibly sound.”
Over the weekend, the church expressed its support for workers who are against getting the vaccination. “On Sunday, we prayed for educators, nurses, doctors, and first responders who are being mandated to get the vaccine or lose their job. Many feel morally compromised by taking it — let this prayer speak to you if you’re in the same situation,” read the church’s post.
California has set a deadline for all state workers to submit proof of vaccination. They have until September 30 to do so.
