Maine diocese: New restrictions on churches ‘unacceptable’. Published 2/18/2021. Nation.

What are they so afraid of? Have you noticed that many of the restrictions placed on citizens are geared toward the very type of gatherings that are responsible for the least amount of COVID transmission? The utterly unconstitutional restrictions on religious gatherings is a prime example. Is there a risk involved in any public gathering? Of course there is. But when you cross the street there is a risk you might get hit by a bus. Does that mean you never cross the street? Bishops are starting push back against these megalomaniacal little Caesars and their drive to crush one of the most precious freedoms-freedom of worship. Enough is enough. Get your boot off our necks and stop abridging our most fundamental rights.

Washington D.C., Feb 18, 2021 CNA.- The bishop of Portland, Maine, is calling the state’s updated restrictions on religious services “unacceptable.” On Friday, Feb. 12, Gov. Janet Mills (D) issued a new executive order on public gatherings during the pandemic. Mills’ order changed restrictions on indoor religious gatherings from a limit of 50 people total to a limit of five people per 1,000 square feet of space. In response, the state’s only Catholic diocese continues to push for increased capacity in its churches. “This ruling, though sold as an ‘expansion,’ provides no real advance for the vast majority of the state,” said Bishop Robert Deeley of Portland in a statement provided to CNA. “It does nothing to provide relief to our parishes and parishioners,” he said, adding that the state’s Catholics are “perplexed and upset” by the new rules. Ultimately, fewer than ten churches in the state are expecting increased capacity due to this new ruling.

Maine diocese: New restrictions on churches ‘unacceptable’. Published 2/18/2021. Nation.