COVID-19 has had a devastating impact worldwide. As a global Christian University comprised of students from more than 75 countries around the world, we are saddened that over 164 million people have been infected with COVID-19, with more than 3.5 million deaths reported globally to date.
In an era when health has been politicized, we are grateful for the ongoing efforts of scientists and health care professionals to reduce the spread of the virus and care for those who are seriously ill. We acknowledge the toll the pandemic has taken on the physical and mental health of individuals, families, and communities—including university students.
At TWU, our success in managing COVID-19 through this period is a measure of God’s grace. As a Christian University we are profoundly grateful for gifts of learning and science. As a Christian academic institution, we strongly encourage vaccination against COVID-19. We value science, support public health, and accept the scientific evidence that vaccines work. We believe that God calls us to care for the broader community, and we desire to see people protected from severe illness and death.
However, like BC Public Health, TWU will not require students or employees to be vaccinated. Our hope is that enough of our community will receive their vaccination as it becomes available to them, that we will reach community immunity—the point at which approximately 70-75% of the population is immunized.
For those who desire vaccination, we will provide information on how to access it. For those who are unsure, we will provide reliable information to assist individuals with making an informed choice. For those who do not desire vaccination, we respect the right for individuals’ personal choice, while also requiring TWU community members not to undermine other individuals’ right to choose, or TWU’s position to support vaccination.
Together with BC Public Health, we view vaccination as a precious gift representing the hard work and dedication of many, including scientists, health care professionals, and political leaders. We pray that the Lord will continue to bless those efforts, as we ourselves aim to think truthfully, act justly, and live faithfully for the good of the world and the glory of God.
We also welcome recent announcements made by the BC Government on May 25, regarding plans for the province’s re-opening, contingent on low case counts and high vaccination thresholds.
If you are seeking additional guidance or information on COVID-19 immunizations, please visit the BCCDC COVID-19 Immunization page or for specific information relating to TWU please visit our TWU COVID-19 Vaccine resource page.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four campuses and locations: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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