Bishop of Darwin Charles Gauci shares ‘clear’ message about Covid vaccine

The Bishop of Darwin Charles Gauci has encouraged everyone eligible to get vaccinated, in the wake of anti-vaccine conspiracy theories being spouted by Darwin’s most prominent Darwin Greek priest.

THE Bishop of Darwin Charles Gauci has shared a “clear message” that he encourages everyone eligible to get vaccinated, in the wake of anti-vaccine conspiracy theories being spouted by Darwin’s most prominent Greek priest.

Father Gauci told ABC Darwin that he did not want to respond to the claims of Father Joel, but rather to tell people that it is “imperative” that as many people as possible get vaccinated.

“This illness this disease is insidious,” the Catholic bishop said.

“We know what it has done in other countries and we know what it has done also here in Australia already, and can do a lot worse.

“So my strong encouragement is for all to get vaccinated. I think it’s about really caring, not just for yourself but also for others, and especially the most vulnerable people.”

Bishop of Darwin Charles Gauci. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Father Gauci, who often works in remote communities with a vulnerable population, said he speaks with them about the importance of getting the Covid vaccination “whenever (he) has the opportunity”.

He said there has been a variety of responses from people in the communities he visits.

“There’s a lot of fear,” he said.

“There’s been a lot of misinformation spread around on social media. Social media can be a great gift, but gee whiz, it can also be misused, and people have been frightened unnecessarily with lots of made up stuff.”

Father Gauci said he has had some success persuading people to get the vaccine in order to keep them and their communities safe.

“I think it takes a long time to overcome fear,” he said.

“Certainly (talking to people) has helped some. I couldn’t tell you exactly in the end how many, but I keep doing it because I think people are basically sensible.

“Once you keep on relaying those fears and assuring people, then I think they will act accordingly.”

He said he does bring up Covid and the importance of getting vaccinated during church services on some occasions.

“I talk about life, of course, when we have church services on,” he said.

“I don’t say (the vaccine) all the time, because I think you can overdo it, but I have spoken publicly about it, and people know I’ve put it on our Facebook, and people have seen that.

“And I will talk about it in public situations, but of course I will do it appropriately and in a measured and respectful way because when people are frightened you need to encourage them in a way that’s helpful, not talking down at them.”

Originally published as Bishop of Darwin Charles Gauci shares ‘clear’ message about Covid vaccine