We know the recent COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers in Maine is very troubling for many of you.

Governor Janet Mills announced that all health care workers in Maine must be fully vaccinated by October 1. Workers will not have an alternative to seek regular COVID-19 testing instead of receiving the vaccine. There will only be one type of medical exemption allowed for individuals whose doctors advise that immunization is “medically inadvisable.”

Maine’s mandate is perhaps the strictest in the nation.

We have heard from many of you that you are concerned about your freedoms and your livelihoods. We are, too.

This is new for all of us, and we want to keep those of you who want to try for a religious exemption up to date regarding your options.  Here are some recommendations.

First, the COVID-19 vaccine still has not been approved – it is considered Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) only. The Nuremberg Code clearly states that no one should be coerced into participating in a medical experiment. Plus, there is additional legal basis. In Doe #1 v. Rumsfeld, the court held that EUA vaccines could not be mandated for military members.

If, however, one of the vaccines is approved by the FDA in the coming weeks, there are resources for you to pursue an exemption if so desired.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, for example, prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of religion, religious practices, and religious observances.

The Charlotte Lozier Institute confirmed that the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines (among many others) all used fetal cell lines in their production. Fetal cell lines use cells taken from an aborted baby to further research. An infographic explaining this process can be found here.

Here is a great template from the Rutherford Institute for a letter to your employer requesting a religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Your request may cause your employer to consider reasonable accommodations such as a modified shift, telecommuting, or reassignment.  For more detail, see page 6 of this guide from the Rutherford Institute.

Friends, we know this is a stressful time. CCL is here to not only arm you with resources but to embolden you with prayer as well.

“I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

The Lord will never abandon us. Remember that Jesus warned us that we would indeed face tribulations, but to take heart, for He overcame the world (John 16:33).

In the coming weeks, CCL will be praying for your courage, strength, steadfastness, and success.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are in this together.

In Christ,

Mike McClellan

Policy Director, Christian Civic League