This week, the Archbishop for the Military Services, USA, Timothy P. Broglio said that troops should be allowed to refuse the mandated COVID-19 vaccine on religious grounds.
In a statement released Tuesday, Broglio described the “problematic” background behind the COVID-19 vaccines, explaining that they were derived from an abortion-derived cell line. Given this, receiving the COVID-19 vaccine could go against someone’s religious beliefs. Therefore, Broglio says troops who find the vaccine in conflict with their faith should be allowed to refuse it.
“The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines were tested using an abortion derived cell line,” the statement reads. “The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was developed, tested, and is produced, with abortion-derived cell lines. That vaccine is, therefore, more problematic. If it were the only vaccine available, it would be morally permissible, but the faithful Catholic is to make known his or her preference for a more morally acceptable treatment.”
Later on in the statement, Broglio added that “no one should be forced to receive a COVID-19 vaccine if it would violate the sanctity of his or her conscience,” and emphasized that choosing not to get the vaccine is a religious freedom that is protected by the First Amendment.
Read more on Townhall.com