PHOENIX — Arizona faith leaders gathered today to share a strong message with their congregations and the public: the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, and getting vaccinated is the best way to end this pandemic. Alongside Dr. Cara Christ, Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and Maria Cristina Fuentes, Director of the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith & Family (GOYFF), the following faith leaders highlighted the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine at First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix this morning.

• Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr., Lead Pastor at First Institutional Baptist Church and Chairperson for the African American Christian Clergy Coalition
• Larrie Fraley, Lead Pastor of Global Outreach at Christ’s Church of the Valley
• Eduardo Nevares, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
• Dr. Gloria J. Smith, Reverend at Encanto Community United Church of Christ
• Jennifer Reddall, Sixth Episcopal Bishop of Arizona
• Gary Kinnaman, Former Senior Pastor of World of Grace 
• John Linder, Rabbi at Temple Solel
• Al Beasley, Reverend at First Christian Church of Globe (Disciples of Christ)
• John Martinez, Reverend at New Beginnings Assembly of God
• Roc Arnett, Representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• Dr. Benjamin Thomas, Sr., Reverend at the Historic Tanner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church

Read the full release here.