JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question regarding vaccinations or immunizations.

This subject has been a concern of many. However, neither the Bible nor the Worldwide Church of God teach that immunization is a sin. In fact, the Church as a spiritual Body neither approves nor disapproves any of the many medical procedures extant today.

On the other hand, the Bible does teach us to be subject to civil authorities (Rom. 13:1-7; I Pet. 2:13-15), many of whom require certain immunizations. For some people, however, being immunized may be a violation of conscience.

The apostle Paul explained this principle this way: "It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin" (Rom. 14:21-23, RAV).

So, while the Worldwide Church of God teaches that being immunized is a medical matter and is not sin, it also does not judge those who, because of conscience or personal choice, choose not to be immunized. In either case, it must be a personal decision made by the individual.

We hope you will let us know whenever we may assist you further with your study of the Bible. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT