Black church leaders from across the country, some of whom have already had the jab, joined forces to publicly demonstrate their support of the Covid-19 vaccine.

In a joint statement, they said: “We support the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine programme, and we urge our congregations to seek out the facts about the vaccine from trusted sources. Faith in God demands action."

The alliance of Christian leaders, which includes Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop Tedroy Powell, Reverend Canon Yemi Adedeji, Bishop Mike Royal,  Reverend Yinka Oyekan and Bishop Dexter Edmund encouraged their members to seek information about the vaccine from reputable sources and underscore how getting the vaccine is a way to show love for their neighbours.

“We are committed to doing the best we can in bringing reassurance about the Covid-19 vaccine to our congregation and wider community. We hope that having the church as a vaccination site will go some way in doing just that.”

The Christian leaders felt compelled to inspire hope in the vaccine among their communities in response to data that shows black people are among those most likely to be hesitant about receiving the Covid-19 vaccine.

This particular demonstration of support follows a series of online Q&A events and outreach work by majority black church leaders to dispel misinformation and ensure their members get the facts about the vaccine.

Pastor Agu Irukwu, Pastor of Jesus House and head of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in the UK, is hopeful that by sharing his confidence in the vaccine, members of his congregation will take it when they are invited to do so. He has volunteered the use of Jesus House as a pop up vaccination site. Members of the church and people within the local community are able to come along to the church in March to receive their Covid jab.

Pastor Agu said: “We are committed to doing the best we can in bringing reassurance about the Covid-19 vaccine to our congregation and wider community. We hope that having the church as a vaccination site will go some way in doing just that.”

Pop up vaccination site

On Thursday 25 February, Emmanuel Community Church International in Walthamstow, became the first black majority church to open its doors as a pop up vaccination site. Rev Doug Williams, pastor Emmanuel Community Church International, who has had the vaccine, said: “As a church, we cannot dictate the choice our congregants make but we were happy to support a borough-wide initiative in Waltham Forest to encourage residents, specially black and Asian community members, to receive the vaccination. 

For the church leaders involved in this synchronised action, the connection between taking the vaccine and Christian values is clear. Rt Revd Dr Woyin Karowei Dorgu, Bishop of Woolwich, said: “I believe it’s in keeping with God’s Word for us to love our neighbour as ourselves, as our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 22:39, because in taking the vaccine we not only protect ourselves, but our family and friends and we also save the NHS. I had my vaccine when I was invited to do so a few weeks ago and I prayerfully advise everyone to do the same for the Love of God and neighbour.” 

Bringing the Black church leaders from across the country together in this way was organised by Christian umbrella organisations Churches Together in England, Evangelical Alliance and YourNeighbour.