Faith Leaders Pledge to Take Covid Vaccination to Build Confidence in Vaccine Journey
December 21, 2020 - San Antonio
A faith-based perspective. San Fernando Cathedral. Photo: Jade Esteban Estrada.
By Jade Esteban Estrada, Staff Writer | San Antonio Sentinel
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- Seventy faith leaders across San Antonio have stepped forward to publicize their pledge to take the Covid-19 vaccine when it becomes available to them
- Leaders have agreed to take a selfie shot when they are vaccinated, the photos will then be disseminated to the press and social media
Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller and other local faith leaders have stepped forward to promote their pledge to take the Covid-19 vaccine when their status level enters the vaccination queue. This vaccination by faith is a united effort across multi-faith traditions and religions, according to a Monday press release.
Thus far, the Statement of Intent has been signed by 70 leaders and aims to build trust and community confidence during the coronavirus pandemic, which has resulted in 1,460 deaths in the San Antonio area. As other leaders step forward, their John Hancocks will continue to be added to the statement. The plan is this: Leaders will take their selfie shot when the time occurs and the images will be disseminated through media stories and social media to lead by example to other cities, including Sister Cities and Compassionate Cities.
The date of the announcement has some significance. December 21 is the first day of winter and the longest night of the year. This specific time of the year is also a season of light coming into darkness across many religions and faith practices.
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“It is also a time when we all need hopeful confidence in the vaccination journey ahead toward the slow-to-stop of the pandemic,” added a City spokesperson.
The effort is being coordinated by the City of San Antonio’s Metro Health and the Department of Human Services Faith-Based Initiative. The idea and the action came out of a weekly gathering of faith and civic leaders titled @TheIntersection, co-convened by San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and the City’s Faith Liaison. This gathering began shortly after the beginning of Covid-19 in San Antonio. On a weekly basis, leaders meet virtually to hear briefings about some of the most critical community concerns.
Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer for the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. jade@sasentinel.com | Twitter: @getjaded