Dear Friends:
We all know that we are in the midst of an intense election season with a presidential election looming in the fall. Many of us, myself included, are on edge as the future of this country may well be held in the balance by what the voters decide November 5.
That being said, there have been a few comments made to me, primarily from parishioners who attend St. Agnes on the weekend about some parishioners wearing or displaying caps with political statements on them, expressive of their political beliefs and their backing of a particular candidate. There has been a request that I do “something” about this. I have heard the comments and have taken time to reflect upon them. My answer is that, mindful of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, I must be careful to try to balance the right to practice one’s religion freely without government compulsion or restraint with the accompanying right in the same amendment to speak freely without fear of retribution.
It goes without question that no one ministering actively in any liturgy in either church should be active politically in church. This precludes the wearing of obvious items of clothing, inclusive of buttons or lapel pins, that endorse one candidate or another. This prohibition includes all priests, deacons, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, and ushers. This prohibition does not extend to the actual wearing of such items of clothing to church, but only to wearing them while exercising their function in the liturgy. Those who are regular parishioners and who attend Mass without being actively engaged in ministry therein are not affected. I cannot mandate that certain items of clothing not be worn, and I would not do so normally unless there is a question of indecency. That being said, however, in the spirit of comfort and consideration for all, I ask that all of us exercise restraint when it comes to promoting political candidates in any way while in church. It is best to leave that outside of the church as much as possible, irrespective of our political passions.
Some of you may not agree with this decision, but I have made it after careful consideration of all the factors involved. I ask for the cooperation of everyone.
Have a good week.