The War on Reverence Continues… McElory Bans Installation of Altar Rails

Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop of Washington, has ordered that no communion rails be installed or reinstalled in the churches of the archdiocese, in a new liturgical controversy in the United States over kneeling communion and traditional forms of reverence before the Eucharist.

The alleged directive was initially reported by journalist Christine Niles of Stella Maris Media, following a recent meeting with priests. To date, the Archdiocese of Washington has not issued a formal decree or official communication regarding this measure.

The directive attributed to McElroy indicates that communion rails should neither be installed nor reinstalled in the churches of the archdiocese. The use of temporary kneelers for receiving Holy Communion is also discouraged.

Among the arguments presented during the meeting, according to the information circulated, were the possible disruption of the communion procession and the risk that the use of kneelers could turn an individual choice of the faithful into a more widespread practice.

The issue directly affects the manner of receiving communion. In the United States, the norm approved by the Episcopal Conference and confirmed by the Holy See establishes that the faithful receive communion standing, after making a gesture of reverence.

However, the universal law of the Church also makes clear that Holy Communion must not be denied to a member of the faithful for the sole reason of kneeling to receive it.

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