The President has proclaimed that churches are essential:
“Some governors have deemed liquor stores and abortion clinics as essential, but have left out churches and other houses of worship. It’s not right,” Trump said from the White House podium.
“The governors need to do the right thing and allow these very important essential places of faith to open right now. For this weekend. If they don’t do it, I will override the governors.”
Go here to read the rest. I think the DOJ will be filing several law suits next week. I doubt if he will do this, but the President could always nationalize state National Guard units to enforce the free exercise rights of residents of a state.
Thanks to President Trump for finally coming out and making this clear. Once the CDC formalizes it, assuming they actually do so, it will put people like Pritzker and Whitmer on the spot, since they often claim to base their draconian restrictions on “CDC guidelines.” The DOJ actions would be most welcome, as well. Injunctions might be faster than waiting for the Swamp.
I wonder. Might catholic bishops praise the president for this?
Frank – we’ve got more than just Pritzker to deal with. Once he is on board, we still have Cupich and his orders which our priests must follow (vow of obedience.)
Most Bishops should joyfully welcome this move by Trump but probably will not because of the political implications. Instead they will fall back on local regulations rather than challenging them.
“Father” James Martin SJ is opposed to the President’s declaration. See the thread at:
https://twitter.com/JamesMartinSJ/status/1263951277362499585
He was on Fox News yesterday. I wanted to throw a brick through the TV. He talks all about love. The only thing he loves is homosexual intercourse.
Mary: Yes, you’re right, of course. I posted here recently in another thread the “executive summary” published by the Rockford diocese after Cupich made a deal with Pritzker on church re-opening. It’s a bureaucratic nightmare. The tiny little parish in Shannon, IL where we go during our summer vacations from the Texas heat will be hard pressed to follow the maze of requirements. Cupich remains more concerned about getting along with the world than with the salvation of the souls for whom he is accountable. Just like the one who made him a Cardinal. ????
But I am trying to find anything I can that seems positive.
Frank: agreed. Kudos to our President for being concerned with the welfare of our souls!
The clergy have to be sensible.
No singing
No handshaking
Plein air services if possible
Space between parishioners
Dispensations for the elderly, or mid-week services
Masks
No communion for a while.
The Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma, Ohio has permitted the Divine Liturgy to be celebrated effective May 18. The Diocese of Cleveland is supposed to be opening up on Memorial Day.
I have no idea when the Diocese of Pittsburgh will celebrate Mass again. Reichsfuhrer Wolfgang never forbid religious services in Pennsylvania. The bishops did that.