Religious Leaders In West Essex Make United Plea: Get A Vaccine

CALDWELLS, NJ — They come from different faiths. But a group of religious leaders from the Caldwells and West Essex have a common plea – get a coronavirus vaccine.

On Tuesday, the West Essex Ministerial Association released a joint statement from 19 local clergy members (see the list below).

Their full letter reads:

“As leaders of different faiths, we share a commitment to the sanctity of life and the preservation of life. We believe that every person is created in the image of the divine and is of immeasurable worth in the eyes of God.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have cared for the needy, visited the sick, buried the dead, comforted the bereaved, and prayed with you on your own behalf and on behalf of your loved ones. We have tried to keep our community connected to each other and to the faith which sustains us even in the most difficult times. From our experience, we know the toll that this pandemic has taken on the physical and spiritual lives of our community.

“Which is why we are joining together to encourage every member of our community to get vaccinated against COVID-19. You should, of course, consult with your doctors for medical advice and your own clergy member for spiritual guidance, but we affirm together that vaccination is a positive religious value to protect your own life, the lives and health of those who are not yet eligible to receive vaccines (including children), and the lives of those who are immunocompromised or otherwise vulnerable to serious illness.

“We bless our entire community with health and resilience and pray for a speedy end to this plague with your help and the help of God.”

Signatories include:

• Rev. Vivian Rodeffer, Caldwell United Methodist Church, Co-Convener WEMA
• Susan Werk, Congregation Agudath Israel, Co-Convener WEMA
• Rabbi Ari Lucas, Congregation Agudath Israel
• Rev. Bill Schram, Interim Pastor, First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell
• Rev. Barbara Jo Piercy, Minister of Music, First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell
• Rev. Thomas Dente, Notre Dame Church
• Anita M. Foley, MA, Pastoral Associate, Notre Dame Church
• Deb Oosterbaan, Roseland Presbyterian Church
• Rev. Msgr. Robert Emery, St. Aloysius Church
• Jacqueline Alworth, St. Aloysius Church
• Dee Taylor, St. Aloysius Church
• Sr. Alice Uhl, OP, St. Aloysius Church
• Sr. Eleanor Uhl, OP, St. Aloysius Church
• Sr. Suzanne Janis, OP, St. Aloysius Church
• The Reverend Nathaniel K. M. Darville, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Essex Fells
• Bishop Warren M. Harper, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• Pastor Nancy Truscott, Chaplain, Crane’s Mill Retirement Community
• Rev. Dr. Richard Vossler, Chaplain, Journey Hospice North
• Nesrin Tatli, Interfaith Event Coordinator, Peace Islands Institute

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