The one-shot vaccine was approved for emergency use on February 27th
by: Keely Lovers
Posted: Mar 4, 2021 / 5:35 PM EST
Updated: March 4, 2021 / 5:57 pm EST
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – The Catholic Church is debating Johnson and Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine.
The one-shot vaccine was approved for emergency use on Feb.27, but some have concerns. Church leaders say they urge Catholics to avoid the vaccine whenever possible because of its association with abortion-derived cells
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The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown says it is more focused on the general welfare of the community.
“The question has been raised of whether it is morally permissible to use the vaccine that was developed, tested and manufactured using abortion-derived cell lines,” said Monsignor John Zuraw.
March 2nd The Conference of Catholic Bishops of the United States issued a statement on the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, but a statement followed for Catholics still hoping for a vaccination.
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has ruled that “when ethically sound Covid-19 vaccines are not available … it is morally acceptable to receive Covid-19 vaccines that have used aborted fetal cell lines in their research and production process.”
US Conference of Catholic Bishops
Monsignor Zuraw echoes these feelings.
“In a moment of crisis, in a moment of emergency, we need to look at what is best for the common good. And by giving permission, we are not condoning what they do, we are simply articulating that we have no choice. We need vaccinations, ”said Monsignor Zuraw.
And for Catholics who still feel torn The Vatican offered the following assurance in December::
It is morally acceptable to receive Covid-19 vaccines that have used cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process
CONGREGATION FOR THE DOCTRINES OF FAITH
“This goes in the direction of the common good and helps the good of all people who need the vaccine so that we can get out of this pandemic in a healthier way,” said Monsignor Zuraw.
You may be wondering why the first two vaccines approved didn’t have similar concerns. Catholic leaders say this is because “Pfizer and Moderna vaccines raised concern because an abortion-derived cell line was used to test them, but not in their production,” according to the United States Council of Bishops.
Monsignor Zuraw said they are now focused on stopping this situation altogether.
“The conversation continues and we encourage these drug companies to avoid these cell lines,” he said. “We live in unprecedented times and sometimes we have to use what is given to derive the greater good.”
