{"id":29202,"date":"2021-10-13T01:39:36","date_gmt":"2021-10-13T01:39:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/federaltimes\/uncategorized\/2021\/10\/13\/archbishop-catholic-troops-can-refuse-covid-19-vaccine\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T07:59:34","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T07:59:34","slug":"archbishop-catholic-troops-can-refuse-covid-19-vaccine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/federaltimes\/uncategorized\/2021\/10\/13\/archbishop-catholic-troops-can-refuse-covid-19-vaccine\/","title":{"rendered":"Archbishop: Catholic troops can refuse COVID-19 vaccine"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Catholic troops should be allowed to refuse COVID-19 vaccines for conscientious reasons, the Archbishop for the Military Services USA wrote in a statement<\/a> Tuesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo one should be forced to receive a COVID-19 vaccine if it would violate the sanctity of his or her conscience,\u201d wrote Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the statement, Broglio pointed to concerns surrounding the moral permissibility of the vaccines, citing abortion-related tissues used in development or testing. As reported by Defense One<\/a>, this is the second time Broglio released a statement providing moral guidance for vaccines. Previously<\/a>, he wrote, \u201cbeing vaccinated is also an act of charity to our sisters and brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced in late August that vaccines would be mandatory for troops. Only the Pfizer vaccine will be required, as it is the only fully FDA-licensed vaccine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Active-duty airmen have until Nov. 2, while reservists have until Dec. 2. The Navy and Marine Corps set a Nov. 28 deadline for active-duty and Dec. 28 for reservists. The Army deadline is Dec.15 for active-duty members, but Reserve and National Guard forces have until June 30.<\/p>\n\n\n\t