April 14 First Presidency announces more than 110 COVID-19 relief projects in 57 countries. With thousands of Utahns seeking passports each year, including Latter-day Saint missionaries traveling abroad, Sen. Mitt Romney is asking the U.S. State Department to open a passport agency in Salt Lake City. Subscribe for free and get daily or weekly updates straight to your inbox, The three things you need to know everyday, Highlights from the last week to keep you informed. Nov. 9 Utah Gov. President Russell M. Nelson prayed often for a COVID-19 vaccine throughout 2020. But later, sitting amid the rows of empty plastic folding chairs, he's more cool-headed. Masks are required in classrooms and any indoor spaces where social distancing isnt possible. Dec. 3 BYU Womens Conference announces it will take a one-year pause as options are explored for 2023. church leaders March 11 WHO declares COVID-19 a pandemic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news, held three consecutive major conferences remotely. From churches to mosque, Bridgeport faith leaders offering I created three figures to describe how these factors of churches gathering influence three vaccination periods: The partial-vaccination period will last until there is herd immunity against COVID-19 and the infection rate declines to a low level. Recently approved vaccines can reduce the risk of COVID-19 illness by more than 90 percent, including the viruss serious complications. Activities that carry a higher risk of airborne COVID-19 transmission should start only when infection rate is low, while those with a lower risk can start at a higher infection rate. Will their legacy survive todays partisanship? Oct. 29-30 FamilySearch partners to host the annual family history celebration ExpoGenealoga, held in person in Mexico City and virtually for Spanish speakers worldwide. June 25 First Presidency announces dates for the open house and rededication of the Mesa Arizona Temple to be held in November and December. The Church News is an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. How long this takes is affected by the availability, effectiveness, and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines as well as the contagiousness of new COVID-19 variants. Oh, I'm not sure of myself. Sept. 22 First Presidency directs Latter-day Saints worldwide to wear masks in temples, again urges vaccination. There is a lot of distrust of the government, of science, and of Instead, 39% said leaders actually encouraged their followers to get the vaccine, while 54% said their leaders did not say anything specific about the shot. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Vaccinations administered by competent medical professionals protect health and preserve life, the handbook now says in Section 38. Some were even hospitalized. March 19 First Presidency announces April general conference to be held from small auditorium with pre-recorded music, only those praying or speaking in attendance. The purpose of this, however, would not be to prevent COVID-19 complications but to limit the spread of the virus. FLEMING: We had more who have tested positive for COVID in about a 10- to 14-day timeframe than we've had all of the previous 18 months of COVID. All rights reserved. In 2003, he led much of WHOs support to China to contain the SARS epidemic. Our faith leaders have been so consistent from the very beginning, said Sren Simonsen, of Salt Lake City. President Russell M. Nelson receives the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 19 in Salt Lake City. Hill Cumorah finale to be a 2019 rebroadcast, makes adjustments to the Vaccinations section of its General Handbook, 191st Annual General Conference broadcast, to develop a plan to return to in-person Church meetings, phased reopening of 22 Church historic sites, announces 60 temples will resume offering all ordinances, a return to the Conference Center for the October 2021 general conference, Provo MTC welcomes first new missionaries, open house and rededication of the Mesa Arizona Temple, do all you can to bring COVID-19 numbers down, Family History Library reopens to the public, RootsTech Connect 2022 will be entirely virtual and free, announces schedule for a return to Temple Square, virtual devotional commemorating Hill Cumorah Pageants final run, Church History Museum and Beehive House reopen, an estimated 93.4% of coronavirus circulating in the U.S. during the last two weeks of July, releases message urging Latter-day Saints, full approval to the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, new dates for the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple public house and dedication, England and Mexico MTCs will reopen in September and October. These are being self-managed by the members themselves. As COVID-19 vaccines are rolled out, many churchgoers are in a lower priority group for vaccination, and some may never be vaccinated either by choice or due to health reasons. PFLEGER: Fleming says it was sobering. Message to Community Regarding COVID-19 Vaccines (4/25/23) April 25, 2023. She cited the churchs history of encouraging members to seek their own personal revelations with God. Feb. 21 Church releases information about missionary work, temple work and worship services for members and missionaries in several Asian countries; Taiwan Taipei Temple and Seoul Korea Temple first to close. One confusing aspect is that COVID-19 case rates are sometimes presented as the total number of cases over 7 or 14 days per 100,000 residents instead of the daily number of cases per 100,000 residents. March 12 Utah Gov. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Russell M. Nelson speaks during a news conference on June 14, 2021, in Salt Lake City. Less than half of Utah residents overall are unvaccinated, not less than half of the eligible population. In the table, I recommend using the daily number as thresholds, so you may have to convert your local health departments number to use the table or use a global dashboard with this information, such as the one by STAT News. But with COVIDRisk.Link, a tool I recently developed with others, congregants can monitor their own risk of exposure to the virus on a regular basis and reduce their risk, if necessary, before meeting with others. Nov. 7 First of two Luz de Las Naciones virtual programs this season is streamed online (the other will be Dec. 19). Healthcare workers prepare to administer COVID-19 tests on members of the Tabernacle Choir and members of the media on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, leading up to the Latter-day Saint music groups first in-person rehearsal since the beginning of the pandemic. Laurie Brenner, a pastor of a Seattle neighborhood church deeply engaged in the community, said, In my medium-size church, there is a real tension. Please do all you can to protect yourself and others so the work of the Lord on both sides of the veil can move forward, the First Presidency wrote. These were two of many actions taken by Church leaders to help prevent the spread of the virus as the pandemic unfolded. July 10 Utah Area presidency urges Latter-day Saints in the state to wear masks in public. Aug. 2 Church History Museum and Beehive House reopen after COVID-19 closures. LOCKE: And the facts embolden me. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. They dont know if they can trust the vaccines.. Due to the spread of COVID-19, the conference is being broadcast without Church members in attendance. Dec. 5 Elder Dale G. Renlund and his wife, Sister Ruth Renlund, test positive for COVID-19. Hinman said, As the church, we cannot allow how we handle this pandemic and the issue of vaccination to divide us. To help our churches move forward in unity, I pray these five science-based suggestions can help our churches to be a beacon of lightembracing faith and scienceas we resume gathering and continue serving the world around us. April 25, 2023. Nov. 20 President Nelson shares worldwide message on the healing power of gratitude and invites all to #GiveThanks. President Dallin H. Oaks speaks during the Sunday afternoon session of the 190th Annual General Conference on April 5, 2020. Credit: Screenshot, ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Nov. 20 A prerecorded Luz de las Naciones program is broadcast and Elder Christofferson gives a concluding message of hope and light. COVID April 30 New missionary assignments made following April 30 deadline; Church properties for camps and conferences to close, treks and Church pageants canceled for 2020; Church donates $5.5 million to COVID-19 relief efforts across the U.S.; 280 relief projects in 80 countries have been initiated. 30 million meals to children in nine developing countries. April 8 Utah Area Presidency asks local leaders to develop a plan to return to in-person Church meetings. Warehouse workers load supplies as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints send aid to China in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020. Greene has an autoimmune disease and would have to wear one if she attended. Jan. 8 Elder Ulisses Soares and his wife, Sister Rosana Soares, tested positive for COVID-19 during holiday break, according to a Church statement. He even has a tattoo on his bicep that says fear is a liar. The photo is one she included as a submission to the Church History Departments project of documenting missionary experiences during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, which drew 7,000 online entries from missionaries and mission leaders worldwide. Religious The Religious Leaders Keeping Faith in the Vaccine - The Atlantic COVAX has now provided COVID-19 vaccines to people in 119 countries. In March 2020, church leaders suspended all church gatherings and closed Many of his congregants are vaccinated and didn't have serious symptoms. The church temporarily paused in-person services. May 19 First Presidency announces some meetings, activities to resume. On Jan. 19, 2021, eight senior Church leaders received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Church leaders The church has also held three consecutive major conferences remotely since the pandemic began. President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, gets his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Salt Lake County Health Department in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Jan. 19, 2021. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Respirator masks, protective goggles and protective suits were sent. Although experts are not certain vaccination will prevent the spread of COVID-19, there is a very good chance that vaccines will reduce at least some (if not most) COVID-19 transmission. March 26 President Nelson extends invitation for worldwide fast; First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve announce shortened length of service for missionaries returning to the U.S., Canada. The most trusted members of many communities are in our churches. Eppolito is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Fortunately, most scientists believe current COVID-19 vaccines should remain effective against these variants. Sept. 13 Pocatello Idaho Temple becomes the first to hold a public open house since the start of the pandemic. June 18 Tabernacle Choir announces dates for 2022 Heritage Tour, which had been postponed twice due to COVID-19. This will undoubtedly influence a churchs decision to gather. LOCKE: People are like, how can you be so sure of yourself? Before our church attendees gather, we can ask them to modify their behaviors to reduce their risk of exposure to the COVID-19. Enrollment numbers, financial challenges, and the pandemic spelled the end. Feb. 27 First Presidency discourages leaders, members from international travels to April general conference; Church statement reports 14 missions across 17 countries undergoing changes; Fukuoka Japan Temple and Sapporo Japan Temple to close. Because vaccination will proceed at different rates in different communities and vaccination of church congregants will vary even among churches within the same community, there is no single approach to regathering. Hopefully this will happen again soon. The outbreak could have been much worse, but he says they were lucky. Jan. 19 Senior Church leaders receive COVID-19 vaccines, encourage members to safeguard themselves and others through immunization. , Feb. 22 Church donates personal protective equipment, members sew masks to fight COVID-19 in Botswana. Nov. 5 The First Presidency announces open house and dedication dates for Rio de Janiero Brazil Temple, nearly 21 months after original schedule was postponed; a Tongan returning missionary who made headlines with a positive COVID-19 test is likely not infectious, health officials report. July 7 FamilySearch announces RootsTech Connect 2022 will be entirely virtual and free, following the format of the 2021 event. Many of our elderly and more vulnerable church members, who will be vaccinated earlier, may welcome an earlier opportunity to gather before everyone can safely do so. But it is important not to exclude people. Covid To help our congregants take responsibility, it would be helpful if they knew their risk level. The Church urges its members, employees and missionaries to be good global citizens and help quell the pandemic by safeguarding themselves and others through immunization, the First Presidency wrote in a statement. June 17 Washington D.C. Temple open house, dedication dates postponed. Crisanta Estayo-Padillas husband shares a scripture with their family as they worship at home on Sunday, March 15, 2020, in the Philippines. However, here is background on two important issues. The photo is one he included as a submission to the Church History Departments project of documenting missionary experiences during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, which drew 7,000 online entries from missionaries and mission leaders worldwide. You can find something on the internet to support any position you want to take, said Johnson. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, 194.4 million flu vaccine doses were distributed during the 2020-2021 flu season. Missionaries of the China Hong Kong Mission move their luggage toward the check-in counters at the airport as they evacuate due to growing coronavirus concerns, as shown in a photo courtesy of President Dennis L. Phillips. The First Presidency and Apostles Over Age 70 Receive the It is unfortunate that this pandemic has been so politicized that some church leaders are hesitant to endorse vaccination, but I suggest that we use the Great Commandment as our primary motivation. Missionaries arrive at the Provo Missionary Training Center for the first time, in Provo on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, since COVID-19 closures in March 2020. Why American evangelicals resist vaccines DW 12/16/2020 A family receives the sacrament tray while holding their face masks. Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong, Sister Carol Wong, Sister Susan Gong, Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela and Sister Silvia Valenzuela stand for a portrait at the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple in Winnipeg, Canada, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. Credit: Daniel Crump, for the Deseret News. She uncovered some interesting findings and interviewed people on both sides of the issue. June 4 First Presidency announces October general conference to be broadcast but closed again to public. BRIDGEPORT Local religious institutions are helping to win the fight against COVID-19. Oct. 24 Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performs first live Sunday broadcast of Music & the Spoken Word since March 2020. Just 3 percent of all Covid-19 vaccine doses delivered in 2021 went to Africa, home to a fifth of the worlds population, according to the World Health Organization. Only 5% Of Worshippers Say Religious Leaders Discouraged That's the approach many leaders of white evangelical churches are taking. Copyright 2021 NPR. Oct. 6-8 Elder Gerrit W. Gong and Sister Susan Gong test positive for COVID-19; all members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are tested (results come back negative). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Conference Center in Salt Lake City is devoid of conferencegoers before the start of the 190th Annual General Conference on Saturday, April 4, 2020. PAULA GREENE: I got so upset. PFLEGER: She remembers turning off the livestream dismayed. SALT LAKE CITY (AP) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints renewed its prior calls to members to get a COVID-19 vaccine and to wear face masks in public gatherings Thursday. We need to give everyone an accessible experience.. Jan. 21 First Presidency announces April 2021 general conference will be conducted virtually, marking the third-straight virtual conference. I have adapted them for the steps in the table. Because vaccinated congregants are protected from serious COVID-19 complications, it is much safer for them to gather indoors even when the infection rate in the community is high. Regarding masks at services, top church officials have said its up to bishops to encourage people to follow local public health guidelines. At the same time, the US is experiencing the most tumultuous and divisive period in its recent history. To members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Nelson is Gods living prophet to the world. April 27 Tabernacle Choirs 2020 European tour postponed a year. March 2 Elder Soares and other Church leaders speak in special devotional for Native Americans, many of whom have been hit particularly hard by COVID-19. All rights reserved. Last month, the church's top leaders urged members to get the COVID-19 vaccine. March 24 Tokyo Olympics postponed until 2021. Broughton emphasized this, I need to continue to have conversations with the congregation. After 10 months of limited in-person gatherings or online programming, church congregantslike the rest of societyfeel pandemic fatigue. Can Africa Get Close to Vaccine Independence? Heres What It Our church emphasizes the importance of personal accountability and not just what the church mandates, said Elton Lee, an elder of a large Chinese American church, who is grateful for members who take responsibility to protect others. Some U.S. political leaders are encouraging people to consult their doctors about the vaccine for coronavirus. April 2 COVID-19 cases top 1 million people in 171 countries across six continents, death toll at least 51,000. D. Michael Quinn, who wrote 10 books on Latter-day Saint history, dies at 77 (April 24), For first time, church to hold Face to Face event for single adults 31 and older (April 23), Church membership withdrawn after Latter-day Saint council for therapist (April 22), See the churchs new infographic about supporting single adult Latter-day Saints (April 22), Historic Latter-day Saint sites to begin reopening in May (April 22).