SAN DIEGO (Feb. 6, 2021) – Bishop Robert W. McElroy of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego issued the letter he sent to the diocese’s priests today following the Supreme Court’s ruling that California cannot ban indoor religious services due to the pandemic. Here is the text of the letter:
Dear brother priest:
Last night, the US Supreme Court overturned Governor Newsom’s decision banning indoor religious services in nearly all of California. Beginning immediately, religious services can be held in our churches and other buildings as long as occupancy is limited to 25 percent of the building’s capacity. Each shepherd can decide which Masses will be held indoors. Other religious services can also be held indoors. Choirs remain prohibited by law.
In all of our services, masks must be worn and social distancing must be maintained for the safety and health of our community and to stop the pandemic. Social gatherings are still not permitted, indoors or outdoors.
I am pleased that the Court has taken this wise step that expands our options for religious services, while also recognizing the health priorities that are required at this time.
Bishop Dolan, Bishop Bejarano and I will be praying for you in the coming days as you decide and implement actions related to this court decision. We recognize that this decision, like so many you have faced these past 15 months, requires balancing various pastoral realities, and will not result in policies that will please everyone. I deeply appreciate all you are doing.
In Our Lord,
Bishop Robert McElroy