There has been considerable frustration and division among members of the Church over the First Presidency’s statement encouraging COVID-19 vaccination. Some members had already decided the vaccine wasn’t for them, while others felt relief hearing from prophets in the midst of so much confusion. The fallout has created distinct camps: those who advocate for medical freedom and see the statement as open to interpretation, those who judge others as disobedient for not getting vaccinated, and those who view the statement as clear prophetic command to comply without question. But what did the statement actually say — and what kind of statement is it?

The First Presidency wrote: “To provide personal protection from such severe infections, we urge individuals to be vaccinated. Available vaccines have proven to be both safe and effective.” They urge vaccination — they do not command it. The wording points to personal health decisions, particularly for those most at risk. They further state: “We can win this war if everyone will follow the wise and thoughtful recommendations of medical experts and government leaders.” Given the diversity of opinions among experts and leaders, this encourages members to exercise personal discernment and responsibility rather than follow a single mandatory path.

This leads to an important question: Is this statement revelation? Not necessarily. The Church has made it clear that not every letter or statement from the First Presidency represents direct revelation from the Lord. Such statements often provide guidance, administrative direction, or reflect the collective wisdom of leaders, especially on temporal or public matters. President Harold B. Lee taught that only when leaders speak as moved upon by the Holy Ghost is it considered scripture. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve unitedly declare doctrine as if from the Lord, but counsel such as this on health matters typically reflects their concern for the well-being of members and the Church’s responsibility as a global organization. The phrase “safe and effective” corresponds to FDA standards, meaning vaccines are approved for general use — not that they are divinely mandated for every individual.

Ultimately, the First Presidency’s message reflects a careful balance between spiritual leadership and wise administration. Like any large institution, the Church follows common safety practices and seeks to avoid unnecessary risks or liabilities while promoting public health. It is guidance offered in good faith, not a binding commandment. In the end, members should thoughtfully review the statement, consider their personal circumstances, seek confirmation through prayer, and choose charitably. The real call here is to resist unrighteous judgment and to act with humility and respect toward one another, whatever our decisions may be.

Scott Thormaehlen received his Master’s in History in 2016 and taught U.S. History in the Lone Star College system in Houston, Texas and for Alvin Community College. His writings have appeared in Accuracy in Academia, the Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies at Sam Houston State University, LDS Living, Meridian Magazine, and East Texas History – a project by Sam Houston State University.