A Catholic archdiocese in Eastern Canada has rescinded a policy requiring that anyone who wishes to attend Mass or gather in church for other reasons must be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.
The Archdiocese of Moncton, New Brunswick, last Friday joined the three other dioceses of the maritime province in issuing revised guidelines. Instead of proof of vaccination for attending Mass, baptisms and prayer groups, attendees must be masked; church capacity will be reduced to 50%; social distancing must be kept, and congregational singing will be forbidden.
In addition, the names and contact information of all attendees should be recorded and the lists maintained, the guidelines say. Anyone displaying COVID-19 symptoms or who has been instructed to self-isolate must refrain from entering the church.
Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 will be required and maintained for weddings and funerals. Masks must always be worn at these events.
“For funerals and weddings, there is no distancing required which allows for full capacity and there is no requirement to keep a record of those present,” the new guidelines say.
Under previous guidelines issued by Moncton Archbishop Valery Vienneau September 17, volunteers were to stand at church entrances to check documents showing attendees’ vaccination record and adding such persons’ names to a list.
