Dearest Believers:
I hope this finds you well and outdoors. I think we all need sunshine!
With this letter I hope to at least shed some light on our path forward. Over the last few months, the board has discussed ways to bring the band back. One topic: requiring returning members to be immunized by vaccination. (see footnote) Unfortunately, a delay in directly addressing a vaccination requirement has resulted in confusion.
As you know, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) released new guidelines this week. These guidelines ease some requirements: e.g., no masks are required in indoor venues if fully vaccinated. But the new guidelines introduce an honor system (as I understand it:) Maskless people (indoors) are on the “honor system” that they’re fully vaccinated.
I realize that such a topic (as the “CDC”) politicizes this memo. But, I should note that “politics” itself has been responsible for delay in official position of the board: I believe some feel that, so as to avoid any conflict, they’d best not address the topic or impose any controversial regulation on band members.
But even if controversial, it is time for clarity. So, I’ll get right to it…I’d like to state a policy:
“For all indoor performances going forward, Believers are on the honor system to be fully vaccinated.”
We can ease this as conditions warrant. But, for now, I think we are past the point of “graceful delay.” Passivity further impedes our planning and execution.
So, I invite those who oppose this to get back to me directly. Indeed, it’s important that you get back to me “officially” on any reluctance to follow this requirement.
I hope you understand: there will be a time when we need to be able to vouch (e.g. to church officials) for the band’s vaccination status. There will be other reasons we need to guarantee status of our band (and assure safety of audience, show respect to host institutions, show respect and high regard for fellow band members, etc).
I believe we are in full agreement on this and we will act on that assumption. I trust that anyone who wishes to perform indoors without vaccination will contact me (or other board members) officially (and in writing) for review by the board as a whole. Thanks for understanding: we need to respect individual band members who need to know they are members of a group that makes this pledge. These individuals need an assurance from the board that they are not performing indoors in a band with someone not immunized.
As I hold you in highest honor, I am,
Robert Cuttino
Footnote: The thinking behind the 100% vaccination policy related to essential promises: 1) Promises to the band by individual band members, 2) a promise back to individuals by the band; and 3) a promise to audiences and church administrators (including higher Methodist church authorities) that the Believers would not “bring a threat.”