Should I wear a mask or not?

There have been lots of discussions recently about whether or not we should start wearing our masks again. With the emergence of the new and more highly contagious delta variant, more and more businesses are urging their employees to begin wearing masks again.  We know that masks save lives and reduce the spread of disease – that’s why surgeons have been wearing them for years.

We have a mask policy here at Prince of Peace:

If you are fully vaccinated, you are not required to wear a mask, but if you are not vaccinated, you should be wearing one.

But I also have some other advice on wearing masks:
                       
Follow the science and take personal responsibility for your actions.

Or love God and neighbor.

To love God is to believe that God has gifted us with amazing scientists and incredible researchers, and that God is active and working in the scientific community today to save lives.

We were able to find a vaccine for this virus in record time. We need to trust that the very best minds and careful research has led us to a solution to this deadly virus. Everyone, who is able, should be take the vaccine. Even if you have already had Covid, the vaccine will provide you with additional protection. To be vaccinated is about loving God and respecting God’s creation.

Loving neighbor is not doing what is required but doing what is generous.  My wife and I are fully vaccinated and are no longer required to wear a mask. However, as the delta variant surges we will be wearing them more often, especially in large public areas (grocery stores, drug stores, banks, etc.).

There may even come a time when I will begin to wear a mask again in church. While I feel that I am protected, I do not want to spread it to anyone else. I also know that at this point anyone under 12 has not even had the possibility of getting the vaccine. I’m concerned about them, too.

So here’s the deal. I’m not going to make health decisions for you. Your health decisions are a private matter between you and your doctor. 

However, I am asking you to care for the larger community. 

If, for the sake of others, I am asked to wear my mask again, I already have it in my back pocket ready to go. If I am asked to get a booster shot, I’ll line up for that, too.  If I am asked to shelter in place once again, count me in.

In fact, I’m ready to do whatever it takes to keep everyone safe and healthy, and I hope you are too.

In Christ,
 
Pastor John D. Morris