U.S. House of Reps Passes Resolution Allowing Mass on Military Bases

U.S. House of Representatives Passes Resolution to Allow Mass on Military Installations During Government Shutdown

Vote follows op-ed by AMS General Counsel John Schlageter on non-active duty priests banned from bases

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The United States House of Representatives today voted 400-1 to pass House Concurrent Resolution 58 calling on Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to allow the continued performance of religious services on military installations during the government shutdown. The resolution was introduced by Congressman Doug Collins (R-Ga.) in response to an Oct. 3 op-ed by Mr. John Schlageter, General Counsel of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS) in which he disclosed that non-active duty Catholic priests have been ordered not to work—or even volunteer—on military installations for the duration of the shutdown, making it impossible for servicemen and women at some locations to attend Mass this weekend.