Watford faith leaders' statement on Covid vaccine 'misinformation'

The Watford Interfaith Association says faith leaders in the town have noticed some of their congregants are refusing to take the vaccine.

The leaders say people have been hesitant to take the Covid jab because of rumours being spread around about vaccines that are "simply untrue" and misinformation which they say is a "threat to life".

To encourage people to take up the offer of the vaccine, and address some of the misinformation, representatives from Watford’s Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Jain, Christian, and Jewish communities have each put their name to the statement below.

The statement reads: "As people of faith, we are committed to the path of love for all human beings. During the pandemic, we have seen, shared in, the pain of these unprecedented times.

"We have seen people die, be bereaved, struggle for life, lose jobs and livelihoods, and enduring separation from loved ones.

"Our healthcare workers and carers have worked to the point of exhaustion, made themselves vulnerable to infection, and some have died. These sacrifices and the suffering endured must never have been in vain.

"Love for fellow human beings has exhibited itself in many ways, especially in the way vaccines have been developed, tested and approved, and people in our local communities, our friends and neighbours are now working hard to bring these vaccines to people so that the suffering can eventually end. They are bringing hope."

Among those who have signed the statement is Radha Mohan das from Bhaktivedanta Manor, pictured

Imam Saleem, Lateef Hussaini, Watford Central Mosque, pictured, has also signed the letter. Credit: Google Street View

It continues: "Sadly, there are those who are spreading rumours about the vaccines that are quite simply untrue, and demonstrably so.

"We cannot even begin to understand why people begin these rumours. We can only appeal to you that when you receive vaccine information, please check its truth very very thoroughly before before passing it on.

"We believe that vaccine misinformation is, quite simply, a threat to life, a threat to future happiness, and a threat to people we love and care for. By accepting and passing on untrue information about vaccines, or refusing a vaccine for no good reason, you could make yourself responsible for someone’s death."

Read more: Covid vaccination centre to open in Watford supermarket

The statement concludes: "As you are aware the three vaccines approved so far by the UK authorities have undergone rigorous trials with thousands of individuals of all ages and ethnicities and no corners were cut in the process of checking and approval.

"The UK has already vaccinated nearly seven million people over the age of 70 with no known serious side effects.

"Therefore the evidence is clear that taking the vaccine is the right thing to do to protect yourself and your loved ones."

The following faith leaders have signed the above statement

• Revd Tim Roberts, Revd Tony Rindl, Revd Ian Pankhurst, Revd Geoffrey Calvert, Pastor Kola Siyanbola, Christians Across Watford

• Shanta Bir Singh Tuladhar, Christian

• Owrang Moshtael, Baha'i

• T. Sri Mohan, Chanda Shome, Hindu

• Radha Mohan das, Krishna Consciousness, Bhaktivedanta Manor

• Ashwin Mehta, Srimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur UK, Jain

• Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, Rabbi Mordechai Chalk, Jewish

• Shahzeb Athar, Mohammed Rafiuddin, Ahmadiyya Muslim

• Imam Saleem, Lateef Hussaini, Central and North Watford Mosques

• Zahid Zarin, Chair of Watford Muslim Youth Centre Project

• Azhar Aabedi, Al-Zahra Centre

• Stephanie Grant, Society of Friends (Quaker)

• Pritam Singh Grewal, President Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Watford

• Harjit Singh, Sikh Gurdwara and Chair of Watford Interfaith Association

• Sharifa Chaudry, Watford Muslim Women's Organisation