(RNS) — After Bishop Michael Martin of the Diocese of Charlotte issued a pastoral letter outlining that Catholics are expected to stand during the reception of Holy Communion in the diocese — and directing churches to remove kneeling supports like altar rails — clergy and lay Catholics quickly began reacting both in Charlotte and online.
In the Dec. 17 letter, Martin cited guidance from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, with Vatican approval, in stating that “the norm … is that Holy Communion is to be received standing, unless an individual member of the faithful wishes to receive Communion while kneeling.” Martin emphasized that Catholics will not be denied Communion “solely based on their posture.” However, the new directive prohibits diocesan churches from placing kneelers, altar rails and prie-dieus, all used to provide support for those who choose to kneel. The directive is set to take effect Jan. 16.
Pre-existing, permanent altar rails will not be removed, diocesan officials said. Only temporary or movable kneelers are set to leave churches.
Liz Chandler, director of communications for the Diocese of Charlotte, said only a small number of the diocese’s 93 parishes currently use such kneelers. “We don’t have a solid count but it’s a small number,” Chandler wrote in an email to RNS. “There’s no cost associated since those being removed are not fixed to the floor. …