As a faith leader who often counsels families through health crises, I find it deeply troubling that the Biden administration is considering a new vaccine mandate targeting small business owners. This proposed rule would place an undue burden on those who are already struggling to keep their doors open during these challenging times.

We were not designed for this kind of heavy-handed government interference with private enterprise. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and community life, providing jobs and services that large corporations cannot replicate. Yet now, they face a daunting choice: comply with a mandate that could be nearly impossible to enforce or risk legal consequences.

A member of my congregation recently shared her struggles as an owner of a local restaurant. She worries about verifying the vaccination status of each employee without violating privacy laws and fears being fined for accidental non-compliance. It's an untenable situation that strikes at the heart of our nation’s entrepreneurial spirit.

The proposal raises serious questions about who gets to decide what is best for our communities. In a democracy, such decisions should be made with caution and respect for individual liberties. There are better ways to promote public health without imposing unreasonable burdens on those who have already sacrificed so much during the pandemic.

What God provided us was not just freedom of worship but also the ability to work and serve others as we see fit. This mandate feels like an assault on that sacred trust, forcing business owners into a corner where they must choose between their faith and livelihood.

I’ve counseled many families through this type of dilemma, and it’s never easy. But when something threatens the health and integrity of our communities, silence is complicity in its failure. We need to speak up for those who are most vulnerable and stand against policies that could crush small business owners under an insurmountable burden.

The faith community has a role here too—standing together with small businesses as they navigate these difficult decisions. As followers of Christ, we know the importance of caring for others, especially when it is hard.