The conference of bishops of France (CEF) judged "essential" Friday that ecclesial life - masses, marriages, baptisms, etc. - can resume its "community character" from May 11, "at the same rate as school, social and economic life".
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The CEF, which represents around 120 bishops, met in plenary assembly by videoconference Friday, during which it discussed a "plan of deconfinement" , given to the public authorities this Friday, she affirms in a press release . The plan, which has not been made public, is a "proposal to work with the government," CEF told AFP. According to her, this plan combines "the resolute desire to allow the faithful again to participate in the sacraments and a great spirit of health responsibility , " the press release said.
In this text, “the bishops of France repeat how essential it seems to them that ecclesial life (masses together, weddings, baptisms, catechesis, communions, editor's note) can regain its fully community character at the same rate as school, social and economic life of our country from May 11 ", the date of gradual reopening of schools, they say. Emmanuel Macron told worship officials on Tuesday that he must "remain very careful" about the reopening of places of worship, saying that they would not reopen as of May 11, but rather after a period of observation that could last until June.
The bishops "are deeply aware of the impatience of the faithful to come together to celebrate and nourish their faith and share it," says the CEF. In addition, she continues, they "hear the urgency that all those who can get more involved with the poor". The CEF would like its deconfinement plan, which "also draws attention to the specific situation of sanctuaries (Lourdes, for example editor's note)" , to be discussed at the national level but also "at the local level of prefects and mayors" as well. Thursday, the Archbishop of Toulouse pushed "a rant," in his words, demanding the controlled reopening of churches from May 11, respecting the measures "social distancing and gestures barriers".