John Hagee shared in the past Jesus Christ was the vaccine for COVID-19. However, the senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, announced he believes in both Jesus and medicine, and has taken the vaccination himself.
Hagee Ministries spokesperson said in a statement: “Pastor Hagee himself is taking the vaccine. Pastor Hagee believes in both the power of prayer and modern medicine. These are not mutually exclusive.”
Evangelist Franklin Graham also supported the vaccine, and said, “My father believed in modern medicine,” said Graham, the son of the late Billy Graham. “If anytime there was a vaccine or something that could help protect you, he was an advocate for it.”
Hagee was hospitalized with the illness in October 2020.
“I’m sitting in this chair today to the testimonial of the healing power of Jesus Christ. I spent 15 days in the hospital with double pneumonia, and I’m still supposed to be home gasping for air,” he said. “I’m on this platform speaking of the glory of God for the healing power of God. I breathe under the authority of Christ every sickness and every disease and especially the COVID thing that’s sweeping this nation.”
“We have a vaccine. The name is Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. Let Him sweep through this country and heal the righteous who dare to ask for it. Heal our church members. Restore them rapidly. Let the name of Jesus Christ be exalted because He is Lord over all,” he said.
Hagee’s comments were criticized by some like Dr. Jay Bhatt, an ABC News’ medical contributor.
“The challenges that we’re seeing from the anti-vaxxer community, from religious communities, are also impacting equitable access to vaccines, which I think is a really important issue — particularly in communities of color,” said. “The choice we’re making is one of health, of one of safety, of one of helping us together do the things we need to get to a COVID-free world.”
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-By Corine Gatti-Santillo
