Archbishop in talks with health minister about church closings

As Vancouver Catholics come together in prayer vigils and petitions in opposition to the B.C. government’s closing of churches to public worship, Archbishop Miller has been in phone conversation with B.C.’s health minister to see if a way can be found to reopen church doors again.

Archbishop J. Michael Miller told The B.C. Catholic he had a “very productive” phone call with Health Minister Adrian Dix this week to discuss the goal of re-opening Catholic churches to public worship while keeping British Columbians safe during the pandemic.

The archbishop said Dix acknowledged that Catholic churches have done an exemplary job of following established COVID-19 guidelines, and the minister proposed that they talk again on Dec. 2 to update each other on the situation, the archbishop said. 

“At the same time, we are seeing a record number of cases, and many in our Catholic communities are in vulnerable situations and we can’t lose sight of that. We all share the same desire to keep people safe during this unprecedented time,” said the archbishop.

The government announced Thursday that churches and other places of worship would be closed to public services for two weeks. The announcement caught the archbishop by surprise, and he sought clarification with the hope of finding a path towards a resumption of publicly celebrating Mass “where so many people are fed and comforted by the Eucharist.”

The Archbishop’s Office received many responses from Catholics in recent days, some upset by what appears to be the “singling out” of houses of worship. The archbishop said that during his call with Dix, they both discussed the community response and the need for further clarity. 

In a press conference on Monday, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Dix provided that clarity, said the archbishop, including the listing for closure to the public of more than 20 secular venues and events.

The archbishop applauded the government’s decision to keep support for group services such as A.A. available in churches and said the archdiocese is committed to continue safely hosting such events. He expressed confidence that the same high safety standards could be maintained in religious services (with up to 50 people) through the ongoing support of staff, volunteers, and parishioners in all 78 parishes.

“The tireless efforts of so many Catholics has resulted in zero community transmissions to date, and once re-opened we are committed to keeping our churches and people safe,” the archbishop said.

He added that through Providence Health Care, the Catholic Charities Men’s Shelter, Downtown Eastside meal services, and other charitable ministries throughout the region, “we are working to help as many British Columbians as we can during this challenging time. We are striving to live by our motto the Church Never Stops.”

On Sunday afternoon, 150 Catholics gathered across from Holy Rosary Cathedral, praying for churches to re-open. Online petitions from various interfaith groups have also appeared, calling for the government to reopen churches and declare worship an essential service. One petition on Change.org quickly hit its goal of 7,500 signatures and by Wednesday night was closing in on 10,000 names. 

The archbishop said he appreciates the passion and desire of Catholics engaged in the issue who want to see their churches open. “Your concerns have been heard and we are now in a phase of collaborative dialogue. We can focus on preparing our hearts and our communities for Christmas by sharing the hope of the Gospel, especially by reaching out to those most in need. I look forward to the day when our churches will be open for Mass once again celebrate together and I pray that day will come soon.”

The archbishop has also received support from other faith leaders who share his concerns for safety of citizens and the desire for a resumption of public worship in a way that does not compromise the health of those attending.