Local Catholic Priest condemns COVID-19 vaccines in unapproved post to Parish Facebook

The video itself was a live stream from the parish gardens where Father Grace asked the Federal Government to allow the use of vaccines that do not contain the cells of aborted fetal cells.

According to Bishop Mark Edwards of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga, the video was not approved by the Diocese.

"I have instructed Father Grace to remove references to medical treatments that are not approved by the Australian authorities," Bishop Edwards said.

In the video, Father Grace called for the government to approve the controversial drugs Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine to be used as alternative COVID-19 treatments, both of which have not been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Association.

Bishop Edwards said that it was the diocese's policy that the diocese, the parishes and the clergy keep the NSW government health orders.

The Catholic Church currently teaches that COVID-19 vaccinations may be received because any connection with the original aborted foetus is merely material.

"Some people are hesitant about receiving the COVID vaccines as they make use of cells in a line descended from an aborted foetus in the 1970s," Bishop Edwards said.

"For those who think of abortion as the killing of a child like Father Grace, this is an important issue."

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According to Bishop Edwards, the church encouraged parishioners to receive their vaccinations because of the 'great good they do'.

"Pope Francis encourages us to receive vaccines as it is an act of love which protects others and ourselves," Bishop Edwards said.

"I am certainly encouraging vaccination and for those who are hesitant I would encourage you to take your hesitations to your doctor because that is where you are going to get the right advice."

Bishop Edwards said that vaccination would continue to be at the forefront of his sermons and strongly encouraged by the Diocese of Wagga Wagga.

"I prayed for this vaccination to come," Bishop Edwards said.

"I see these vaccinations as a gift from god and I would love people to accept this gift that he has given us.

That is my public health message."

More information about COVID-19 vaccines can be found here.

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