THE CATHOLIC Church has spoken against an English priest who has been encouraging his parishioners to reject the Covid-19 vaccine.
Father George Roth, who has spoken publicly of his anti-vaccine stance, sparked outrage by telling worshippers that vaccines were "bio-terrorism" and urging them to "do all you can" to avoid them.
He also said that those pushing vaccinations onto others were "conspiring with evil men who wish [to] de-populate our world," in an email to his parishioners at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Gosport, Hampshire, in England.
Fr Roth's behaviour has since been condemned by the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth as well as the local borough council, who are positively encouraging people to get the vaccine.
The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth have said it is investigating the matter, and is "disappointed" Fr Roth had expressed the "personal view".
A spokeswoman said: "The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth is very disappointed that one of the Family of Mary Immaculate and St Francis in Gosport has publicly expressed a personal view about the Covid vaccination programme that is contrary to the official position of the Catholic Church and the Diocese.
"The matter is being taken very seriously and an investigation is in progress.
"We would encourage all our parishioners to benefit from the protection afforded by the vaccine."
