Wisconsin Catholic Bishops Statement on Covid Vaccine

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August 20, 2021

WISCONSIN CATHOLIC CONFERENCE

STATEMENT OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF WISCONSIN ON COVID-19 VACCINATION AND THE PROTECTION OF CONSCIENCE

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

On December 11, 2020, the Committee on Doctrine and the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the UnitedStates Conference of Catholic Bishops published the statement “Moral Considerations Regarding the NewCOVID-19 Vaccines,” in which it clearly states that it is morally permissible to receive these vaccines.1 OnJanuary 13, 2021, we published the “Statement of the Catholic Bishops of Wisconsin on the Morality ofCOVID-19 Vaccines,” and we reiterated “that the use of current COVID-19 vaccines is morally permissible because of the remoteness of material cooperation.”2 We encourage those eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to do so because it is the most effective way to combat this virus. We are all morally responsible to protect our lives and the lives of others. This is an imperative of natural law that we treasure in our faith.“To defend and promote life, to show reverence and love for it, is a task which God entrusts to every man, calling him as his living image to share in his own lordship over the world...”3 By protecting ourselves against the variants that cause COVID-19, we fulfill this blessed task.

However, the Church also treasures her teaching on the sanctity of conscience: “In all his activity a man isbound to follow his conscience in order that he may come to God, the end and purpose of life. It follows that he is not to be forced to act in a manner contrary to his conscience. Nor, on the other hand, is he to berestrained from acting in accordance with his conscience, especially in matters religious.”4 In light of these teachings we ask ourselves: should the Church or any other organization force a person to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

No. Nobody should violate the sanctity of conscience by forcing a person to do something contrary to his or her conscience. There are many health or ethical reasons why a person may refuse COVID-19 vaccination. We understand the urgency of this pandemic and the frustration some may experience because of the numberof unvaccinated people; but even when someone’s decision may look to others as erroneous, conscience does not lose its dignity.5

A well-formed conscience stands not solely upon ecclesiastical authority, but also upon the law of Godwritten in an individual’s heart.6 Therefore, a human being must always obey the certain judgment of his or her conscience.7 Additionally, “the Christian faithful, in common with all other men, possess the civil rightnot to be hindered in leading their lives in accordance with their consciences.”8 Consequently, someone who in conscience decides that he or she should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine should be granted an exemption based on his or her beliefs or convictions.

It is the responsibility of the individual to raise moral or ethical objections to vaccination based on the dictates of his or her conscience. Pastors should not feel compelled to issue documentation recognizing this conscientious objection and are recommended not to do so. Moreover, human conscience is dynamic; it is an ever-seeking truth reality. A person may claim an exemption of conscience today and later may change his or her mind.

As of today, the State of Wisconsin protects the person for whom state-required “vaccination is reasonablylikely to lead to serious harm” or “for reasons of religion or conscience, refuses to obtain the vaccination.”9We firmly and constantly request that all local, state, and federal governments maintain the protection of individual conscience.

We also stress that a person’s decision to refuse the COVID-19 vaccine finds its limits as we apply the Principle of the Common Good. In other words, the refusal to receive vaccination is also, for the conscientious person, a decision to use other means to protect his or her life and the lives of others against COVID-19. Every decision has consequences; and in this case, the person claiming a religious or ethical exemption should be ready to properly assume other scientifically recommended means of avoiding infection and contagion: face-coverings, social distancing, hand sanitizing, periodic testing, and quarantine.

Employers should respect their employees’ consciences and make necessary accommodations, but they arealso responsible for the protection of the common good. Consequently, employers should maintain safety by requiring other ways of preventing the spread of infection by conscientious objectors.

The Vatican COVID-19 Commission in collaboration with the Pontifical Academy for Life issued thedocument, “Vaccine for all. 20 Points for a Fairer and Healthier World.” As stated therein, “We consider itimportant that a responsible decision be taken in this regard, since refusal of the vaccine may also constitute arisk to others.”10 As we strive to emerge from this pandemic, we pray and faithfully encourage everyone to enter their inner room of conscience and make the best decision for themselves, their loved ones, and the larger community.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

The Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki Archbishop of Milwaukee

The Most Reverend David L. Ricken Bishop of Green Bay

The Most Reverend Donald J. Hying Bishop of Madison

The Most Reverend William P. Callahan, OFM Conv. Bishop of La Crosse

The Most Reverend James P. Powers, Bishop of Superior