GPCC Position Paper on Vaccination Issue

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Position Paper on Vaccination Issue 31 August 2021 _________ Introduction: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the Government’s approach has been to place significant weight on 70% to 80% of the adult population being vaccinated before lockdown restrictions will be eased. As of the end of August, there is also growing talk of greater freedoms for double vaccinated citizens and more businesses are now requiring their employees to be fully vaccinated.

The Government announced on Friday 27 August that it would be mandatory for all school workers to be double vaccinated by 8 November to allow for a full return of students to face-to-face learning at school. It is now also possible for children aged 12 and over to be vaccinated although there is no indication yet of mandatory vaccinations for school age children.

GPCC is committed to the safe return of students and staff to school and to the fulfillment of our legal obligations including those involving Workplace Health and Safety. We have a duty of care to both students and staff to do our best to ensure a safe workplace and classroom environment.

The Issues: 1. Most people in NSW are getting vaccinated and are not actively resisting the Government’s directives to do so.

2. A significant minority however are expressing reservations about being vaccinated adopting one or more of these positions: a. They believe the testing period for the vaccine was inadequate, so the possible longterm effects of the vaccine are not yet known. b. They are against vaccinations generally c. They are resisting the increasing imposition of the government on their personal freedoms and believe that to be vaccinated or not is a personal choice d. They believe it is unnecessary as even with vaccination the virus can still be contracted and passed on to others e. They have had a bad experience with immunisation or are aware of accounts of people suffering bad reactions to the vaccine and do not want to take a risk it will happen to them f. They have a moral and religious concern about vaccines developed using cell lines descended from aborted fetuses 3. People are taking sides in the issue over whether to be vaccinated or not and it is becoming a divisive issue in society along lines such as: a. Unvaccinated people are putting others, including students, at risk b. A person’s vaccinated status is their private business c. People are feeling pressured by others (and the Government) to get vaccinated d. Issues of possible discrimination against unvaccinated people are being raised e. Mandated vaccination tied to jobs is threatening employment for some

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The way forward: GPCC is of the view that this is a constantly changing scenario and we must be wary of committing to a hard and fast position too early. Instead, we propose adopting a set of principles that will guide our decisions and interactions with others as and when they need to occur. Secondly, we believe it is important we think critically and creatively about solutions rather than see this as a situation that can be easily resolved.

Undergirding all this is the College’s commitment to a Biblical way of thinking and acting in all of life’s situations. We hold to the following Biblical principles as being vital to guiding our way forward: a. The Scriptures call us to pray for and obey the Government as appointed by God to ensure an orderly and safe society (Romans 13:1-8) b. Civil disobedience may be necessary however if a government asks us to engage in unethical, immoral or unjust actions that are counter to the Biblical way of life (see the example of Acts 5: 27-30) c. We uphold the dignity of all human beings as being made in the image of God and for His glory (Genesis 1:26-27) d. We act toward others with kindness and compassion in spite of their opposing views or opposition to us (Matthew 5:38-47) e. We are careful not to do or say something that may cause offence to another even if we think we are in the right (Romans 14:1-12) f. We are called as God’s people to “clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12) g. Philippians 2:4 calls us to “look out not only for our own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Principles for Action: A. We uphold and respect the right of everyone to hold their own views on the current situation B. We are committed to maintaining unity in our community even when we may not be able to achieve uniformity of perspective or opinion.

C. We will treat each person with dignity, kindness and respect in all we say and do D. We will look for creative solutions to difficult situations, seeking to find a solution that works for all E. We will place the needs of others before our own F. We will not seek to impose our views on others and accept that sometimes our view may not prevail G. We will not look down on others, bully, harass, intimidate or demean those who hold a different position to our own H. Any actions we take will be guided by sound and respected research and our obligation to obey the law

Final Comments We believe that as we commit to these principles, we will find a way to maintain a positive and caring community and accommodate very different perspectives. We recognise that in the end, we may need to take actions that will see some people disadvantaged but we will do everything we can to avoid that. We believe that this is a volatile situation subject to change and so will not commit to a hard and fast position too early.

Prepared by Phillip Nash, College Principal with the support of the GPCC Ltd directors and the Executive Team of the College.