Mennonites Take a Stand Against Mandatory Vaccination
This video has been removed due to YouTube's anti-vaccine policy.
For the first time in the history of Belize, the different branches of the Mennonite religion have laid aside their doctrinal and spiritual differences and united in one common goal: resisting the new regulation that will begin on Oct 1st, which will require all persons to show proof of vaccination to enter public buildings and to ride on public transportation. From the rich Mennonite with several luxury vehicles in his garage to the poor one struggling to feed his family. From the most modern, open-minded to the most traditional and conservative. From the one adjusting his suspenders and straw hat to the one with leather jacket and name-brand sunglasses. While the response of each group has been varied according to their respective Biblical views, their resolution is firm: no to mandatory vaccines. The Old Colony Mennonites in Shipyard are adamant about not bowing to the government at whatever the cost. Some of the Kleine Gemeinde in Spanish Lookout and Blue Creek show their support by signing online petitions and publicly voicing their opinions. Some of the Beachy, Conservative and Holdemans have taken to prayer and fasting. Some among the Old Order in southern Belize are wondering if it is time for mass migration again...but where?
But the ones who have gone the extra mile to send a message to the government are those who have left the traditional churches. For example, a mixed group from the EMMC and other liberal churches are holding peaceful vehicle parades with black flags with the slogan "Free Belize". The parade/protest is being held in different communities around Spanish Lookout throughout the week.
A peaceful demonstration in Spanish Lookout, a modern and prosperous colony of Mennonites. The black flags bear the slogan "FREE BELIZE"
I mentioned in an earlier article that I do not support mandatory vaccines for Covid. I will also clarify that the protest is not against the vaccine itself since there are Mennonites in some colonies who have already chosen to receive the vaccine. Another notable point is that this rally does not represent ALL the Mennonites of Belize since the more conservative minded and traditional ones are not in favor of it. While the motorcade protest was begun by a small group of liberal Mennonites in Spanish Lookout, it is open for Belizeans from across the country to join with one goal: Free Belize. No to mandatory vaccines.
In other places in Belize, Mestizos and Creoles have openly stated their support for those Mennonites leading the peaceful protest against mandatory vaccines. With the colonies of Spanish Lookout and Blue Creek known as the breadbasket of Belize, there is hope that the government will change their mind.
A. Mendoza