(March 19, 2022)

As in other UU congregations and beyond, UUCB’s Board of Trustees has considered values, responsibilities, and a wide range of concerns for re-gathering for worship and other open/large group activities. The Board has established a vaccination policy within a broader principle of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our worship services and other activities, while pursuing what is the best for the most and what will unite us, not divide us. 

The UUCB Board policy states that for in-person worship and other Sunday activities or other large gatherings, persons in attendance need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 – as they are able for their age group. Vaccines for children under 12 will not be required unless or until there is permanent, rather than temporary, FDA approval – although we understand many church families are obtaining vaccines for children 5 to 11 years old. 

As many of us are experiencing elsewhere, proof of full vaccination status is required to attend the in-person events that fall under this policy. We are not accepting vaccination documentation via email attachment; if you have not yet had your vaccination verified, please bring your documentation to our Welcoming time before a Sunday service. 

Persons who are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons may contact Rev. Michelle Collins (minister@uucb.org) to set up an appointment requesting a medical exemption. Exemption requests will not be accepted in person on Sundays, nor will appointments take place on Sundays. 

Other safety protocols in place at UUCB include masking, distancing, and affirmation from attendees that they are not ill, have no symptoms of contagious disease, and in the last 10 days have neither tested positive nor been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, and that they will inform the church if they test positive for COVID-19 within the following 14 days. 

Regardless of policies and protocols, UUCB cannot guarantee that anyone attending an in-person activity will be fully protected against exposure to COVID-19; we each bear individual responsibility for our choices. Online streaming of worship services, and other activities where feasible, are provided in recognition of risks that exist regardless of safety protocols and Board policy, and to reach persons who, for whatever reason, prefer to attend virtually, or are unable or unwilling to follow protocols or policy. 

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