Faith leaders from across commonwealth join Gov. Beshear at Capitol for vaccination
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 4, 2021) – Gov. Andy Beshear thanked leaders of different faiths and denominations from throughout Kentucky who are taking the vaccine against COVID-19 and encouraging those in their congregations and communities to take the vaccine when they have the opportunity.
With concerns in the commonwealth and across the country about distributing vaccines equitably, Gov. Beshear is partnering with faith leaders to educate communities and address vaccine hesitancy on the front end.
About 50 faith leaders from throughout the commonwealth have received their vaccination in the Capitol rotunda in the last two weeks. They are encouraging others to take the vaccine to save lives, so children can safely return to in-person classes, and so more Kentuckians can safely return to in-person religious services. More than 20 of those faith leaders who were in Frankfort on Thursday joined Gov. Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear to plant the latest American flags on the lawn of the state Capitol for the more than 3,800 Kentuckians lost to COVID.
“No one is more trusted in their communities than our faith leaders, who work every day to better the lives of those in their congregations and communities,” said Gov. Beshear. “Thank you to our faith leaders for again setting the example by rolling up their sleeves to get the vaccine and encouraging others to be vaccinated. They have a powerful voice and platform, and I appreciate them using it.”
The Governor said the supply from the federal government remains limited and that is a barrier to vaccinating more Kentuckians more quickly, but he continues to push for more doses and to establish more sites and programs to speed up vaccinations as more doses arrive in the commonwealth.
“We want every Kentuckian to take the vaccine so our children can get in the classroom safely, so my family and others can return to in-person services and so we can reignite our economy,” Gov. Beshear said.
Rev. Dr. F. Bruce Williams, Senior Pastor at Bates Memorial Baptist Church, Louisville said:
“Gov. Beshear should be commended for the marvelous job he is doing shepherding the state through this horrendous pandemic. I have had the privilege of receiving the vaccine and I encourage my congregation at Bates Memorial Baptist and indeed all Kentuckians to take advantage of the vaccine. If you are hesitant to do it for yourself, then do it for those whom you love who may be particularly susceptible to the virus. We will beat this virus and come out facing a new normal and a bright future!”
