French bishops express concern about discrimination against believers
The French Episcopate has questioned the assumption that public liturgy would somehow be more likely to spread the coronavirus when compared to other activities that are soon to be resumed. French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe announced on Tuesday that church celebrations with the participation of the public could only be resumed after the 2nd of June. Places of worship will remain open as specified in the current regulations.
Meanwhile, starting from the 11th of May and depending on the situation in individual regions, commercial activities are to be resumed. The decision governing churches is similar to the rules about bars and restaurants, which are to be opened after the 2nd of June.
“We share the government’s concern to limit the spread of the epidemic as much as possible, but we cannot understand that simply celebrating Mass would promote the spread of the virus and make it more dangerous than the many activities that will resume soon. We are convinced that the spiritual and religious dimension of man contributes to peace of heart and strengthening in difficult times,” says the official announcement of the Permanent Council of the French Episcopal Conference.
Bishops ensure that Catholics respect and will respect government orders. They encourage grieving families not to give up religious funerals, even if not all relatives can attend, and for individual faithful not to give up prayer in churches. They recommend that dioceses and parishes continue to offer the necessary means of living the faith.
Source: pch24.pl
Image: patrimoine-histoire.fr
