Applications for religious exemptions to vaccine mandates are yet to be made but Gloriavale may be the first. 

A source close to the community says Gloriavale may be asking the Government for an exemption of the vaccine mandate for its teachers. 

Religious historian Peter Lineham told Heather Du Plessis-Allan he is in favour of the need to be vaccinated but wonders why we can't allow exemptions for this vaccine. 

He says churches are having to decide whether they will admit unvaccinated people. 

“It’s a really difficult decision.” 

LISTEN ABOVE