All five Catholic bishops in Washington state have issued a statement in response to comments by President Donald Trump which explains that public masses were suspended “out of our deepest respect for human life and health” amid the COVID-19 crisis. Trump didn’t say what he would do if religious leaders ignored his demand. “In response to President Trump’s statement ... we want to let you know that public celebration was suspended, not out of fear, but out of the deepest respect for human life and health,” the bishops wrote Friday. There is no date set yet for restarting Catholic Masses in Washington, the bishops said. Catholic officials are working with health experts to establish safety guidelines and protocols.

Source: Huffington Post May 24, 2020 05:03 UTC