The Catholic Church in Minnesota is defying the state’s limit on religious gatherings.
In a letter issued Wednesday, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis announced they will not comply with Democratic Gov. Tim Walz’s decision to limit religious gatherings, pointing to the fact he has lifted Minnesota’s stay-at-home order.
“The bishops of Minnesota are united in our conviction that we can safely resume public Masses in accordance with both our religious duties and with accepted public health and safety standards. We can worship in a way that reflects both the love of God and the love of our neighbors,” the letter from seven bishops reads, citing the Book of Mark in the New Testament. “Therefore, we are giving our parishes permission for the resumption of the public celebration of Mass on Tuesday, May 26, which will give us time to be ready for the celebration of Pentecost on May 31.”
Under Walz’s order, a maximum of 10 people are allowed within a confined space during worship services. The state’s Catholic Church, however, believes services can be held on its own terms with proper sanitation measures, private social distancing protocols, and a one-third limited capacity.