Copeland’s Church Responds to False Anti-Vaccination Accusations

Pastor George Pearsons of Eagle Mountain International Church, which is in partnership with Kenneth Copeland Ministries, is speaking out about false accusations that the church is against vaccinations. In a blog post called “Let’s Clear the Air,” Pearsons lays out several talking points, in which he says:

• Our church is not and has never been “anti-vaccination.”
• We do not have an “anti-vaccination” policy.
• In all our years of pastoring, we have never preached against vaccinations.
• We have never advised anyone against a vaccination.

Pearsons also explains Kenneth Copeland’s position on receiving a vaccination. He reports Copeland as saying, “Pray over it with the same rules of faith and prayer that you use to pray over your food. Receive it with thanksgiving and sanctify it by the Word of God and prayer. Take advantage of what God has provided for you in Jesus’ Name.” Pearsons goes on to quote 1 Timothy 4:4-5, saying, “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer.”

Parsons reports, “Recently, a visitor came to our church from an overseas missions trip and had contracted measles while there. After being tested, the lab notified the Tarrant County Health Department who confirmed it as measles. The Health Department met with our leadership team the next day and advised us on how to handle the situation.

“That day, without hesitation, Pastor Terri and I immediately complied with all of their recommendations. We invited the Health Department to conduct a total of five vaccination clinics at our church. Vaccinations were made available at no cost to our daycare children, KCM employees and congregation members. We have continued to work with the Health Department throughout this time and deeply appreciate their assistance and guidance. We also appreciate our on-site Kenneth Copeland Ministries Medical Clinic staffed by an MD and CMA.

“And we are thankful for the efforts of all involved, from our prayer teams, to our clinic, to the Tarrant County Health Department. Their quick action helped to avert what could have affected many more families.”