lockdowns Archives

California to pay $2M church legal fees over virus closures

Jun 3, 2021

The state of California has agreed not to impose greater coronavirus restrictions on church gatherings than it does on retail establishments in a pair of settlements that provide more than $2 million in fees to lawyers who challenged the rules as a violation of religious freedom.

By Brian Melley

Wisconsin priest who ignored COVID limits is asked to resign

May 25, 2021

A priest in Wisconsin who has been ignoring COVID-19 gathering restrictions at his masses and criticized Democrats for their stance on the virus vaccines says the leader of the Diocese of La Crosse has asked him to resign.

By Associated Press

Police called after Argentine priest holds outdoor Mass for First Communion

May 4, 2021

Despite knowing that religious ceremonies that lasted more than 30 minutes and included more than 20 people in his diocese were banned due to Argentina’s second COVID-19 wave, a local priest on Saturday challenged both his bishop and civil authorities by holding a First Communion Mass in an open-air space with close to 100 participants.

By Inés San Martín

Sri Lankan churches halt services as third wave of COVID-19 hits

May 3, 2021

Sri Lankan churches once again have halted services, church weddings and Sunday schools due to a third wave of COVID-19 infections.

By Catholic News Service

CDC director gives nod to indoor worship services for masked, vaccinated

Apr 30, 2021

When the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said April 27 that fully vaccinated people who wear masks can safely attend many indoor events such as worship services, the announcement likely did not catch many Catholics by surprise.

By Carol Zimmermann

Irish government to lift ban on Mass attendance May 10

Apr 30, 2021

The Irish government said a COVID-19-related ban on Catholics attending Mass will be lifted May 10.

By Michael Kelly, CNS

As COVID-19 variants surge, Canadian churches struggle with restrictions

Apr 22, 2021

British Columbia had not allowed indoor Masses since November.

By Catholic News Service

Irish archbishop meets with govt. officials over law issuing fines, jail time for Mass attendance

Apr 20, 2021

Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh on Monday met with the Republic of Ireland’s health minister to discuss a new statute that bans public worship, imposing fines and even jail time for those who attend unauthorized events.

By Charles Collins