Introductory Remarks by Tim Millar

Speaker: Tim Millar, BSc Pharmacology

Context: Health and Truth Conference, addressing the societal and ecclesiastical impacts of the 2020 COVID-19 response.

Purpose: To provide perspective on the necessity of the conference in 2025, reflecting on the COVID-19 response, its impact on society and the church, and the differing responses of Christian communities to government mandates.

Summary of the Talk

Tim Millar’s talk serves as an introductory address for the Health and Truth Conference, aimed at explaining why the conference is necessary despite societal and ecclesiastical reluctance to revisit the events of 2020. Millar, a pharmacologist and science teacher, frames the discussion around the significant societal and ethical disruptions caused by the global response to COVID-19, particularly focusing on the role of churches and the violation of biblical and medical principles. He contrasts the responses of two churches—one in London and Grace Community Church in California—to highlight differing Christian perspectives on compliance with government mandates. The talk emphasizes the importance of truth, justice, and resistance to what Millar perceives as harmful and discriminatory policies.

Key Themes and Points

1. Rationale for the Conference:

   • Millar begins by addressing the reluctance of some Christians to revisit the events of 2020, as illustrated by a conversation with a friend who questioned the need for another conference. He argues that the significant changes and harms caused by the COVID-19 response, particularly involving the church, necessitate discussion.

   • The conference aims to address the societal and ecclesiastical impacts of 2020, focusing on the abandonment of established protocols, ethical standards, and biblical principles.

2. The COVID-19 Response in 2020:

   • Millar notes that in March 2020, COVID-19 was downgraded from a high-consequence to a low-consequence infectious disease in the UK.

   • Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty stated that the virus posed a significant risk primarily to the elderly and those with serious medical conditions, with the majority experiencing mild illness and recovering without specific treatments or vaccines.

   • Established pandemic protocols encouraged normal life with precautions (e.g., symptomatic and vulnerable individuals staying home, increased hygiene), aiming to build population immunity while protecting the vulnerable.

   • However, most Western governments, including the UK, rejected these protocols, implementing lockdowns and other restrictive measures.

3. Christian Concerns and Ethical Violations:

   • Millar and other Christians were concerned that lockdown measures were futile and caused significant harm, abandoning established medical protocols and ethical standards.

   • Biblical principles, such as the right to work, interact, and worship face-to-face, were violated.

   • Over time, concerns grew about compromised medical ethics, including violations of liberty of conscience and bodily autonomy.

   • Millar shares a personal anecdote of being excluded from a church due to his unvaccinated status, a decision based on his assessment of the virus’s risk to his age and health, and concerns about the novel mRNA therapeutic.

4. Comparison of Church Responses:

   • Millar contrasts the public statements of two churches: an unnamed London church and Grace Community Church in California, led by the late John MacArthur.

   • London Church:

     • Criticized Grace Community Church for reopening worship services without masks or social distancing during lockdown, questioning the “carnage” that might result.

     • Cited the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, arguing that civil government is an agent of God’s rule in matters of public health, and Christians should comply unless restrictions become “unreasonable, too long, or unequal.”

     • Expressed concern that non-compliance would lead to accusations of selfishness from non-Christians, potentially harming the church’s witness.

   • Grace Community Church:

     • Initially complied with government orders out of care for people and recognition of the government’s role in public health.

     • Later concluded that the virus’s danger was exaggerated, restrictions caused significant harm, and misinformation was widespread.

     • Reopened worship services, prioritizing obedience to Christ over Caesar, asserting that the church must stand firm on truth and foster joy rather than fear.

     • Argued that the restrictions were discriminatory and curtailed the church’s ability to shepherd and minister effectively.

5. Millar’s Perspective:

   • Millar agrees that civil government has a role in public health but argues that Grace Community Church’s statement does not deny this, contrary to the London church’s critique.

   • He contends that the restrictions were unreasonable and discriminatory from the outset, causing unnecessary suffering due to an “hysterical government response.”

   • Christians who resisted mandates did so out of concern for the suffering caused by poor decisions, seeking truth and justice.

   • Many outside the church were not looking to criticize but sought a voice against perceived injustices.

6. Call to Action:

   • Millar emphasizes the need to address these issues, despite society and the church moving on quickly.

   • The conference features four speakers—John William Noble, Dr. Liz Evans, Jonathan Viceman, and Dr. Claire Craig—who will further explore these topics.

Analysis

Contextual Background:

• The talk reflects a critical perspective on the global response to COVID-19, particularly in the UK and US, focusing on the tension between public health measures and individual liberties, including religious freedoms.

• The reference to March 2020 aligns with the UK’s initial response to COVID-19, where the virus was downgraded in status, and Whitty’s statements reflect early public health guidance. However, the shift to lockdowns marked a departure from prior pandemic plans, sparking debate among Christians and others.

Theological and Ethical Framework:

• Millar frames the discussion within a Christian worldview, citing biblical principles such as the right to work, interact, and worship. He views these as non-negotiable, rooted in scripture.

• The critique of medical ethics and bodily autonomy reflects concerns about vaccine mandates and the novel mRNA technology, which were contentious among some Christian communities.

• The comparison of the two churches highlights a theological divide: the London church’s emphasis on submission to civil authority (based on texts like Romans 13) versus Grace Community Church’s prioritization of obedience to Christ when government mandates conflict with biblical mandates.

Strengths of the Talk:

• Provides a clear rationale for revisiting the 2020 events, emphasizing their lasting impact on society and the church.

• Uses specific examples (e.g., Millar’s exclusion from church, the contrasting church statements) to ground the discussion in real experiences.

• Engages with both theological and scientific perspectives, leveraging Millar’s pharmacology background to critique the medical response.

Cultural and Social Implications:

• The talk reflects a broader cultural debate about the balance between individual freedoms and collective safety, particularly within religious communities.

• It highlights a divide within Christianity about the role of civil obedience versus resistance, a tension with historical precedents (e.g., the Reformation, civil rights movements).

• The conference’s focus on truth and justice suggests an intent to influence both ecclesiastical and public discourse, advocating for accountability and reform.

Conclusion

Tim Millar’s talk sets the stage for the Health and Truth Conference by articulating the need to address the societal, ethical, and ecclesiastical fallout from the 2020 COVID-19 response. He critiques the abandonment of established protocols, the violation of biblical principles, and the church’s varied responses to government mandates. By comparing the compliant stance of a London church with the resistant stance of Grace Community Church, Millar argues for a principled stand against what he sees as unjust and harmful policies. The talk calls for ongoing discussion and action, emphasizing truth, justice, and the church’s role in advocating for both.