Denver Newsroom, Feb 27, 2021 / 12:01 pm
The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected a California county's continued ban on indoor worship services due to the coronavirus pandemic, drawing the praise of a local bishop.
"I join all Catholics and people of faith in Santa Clara County in expressing our satisfaction in tonight's U.S. Supreme Court decision," said Bishop Oscar Cantú of San Jose, in Feb. 26 statement.
"Banning indoor worship and yet allowing people to gather at airports, personal services establishments, and retail shopping is unconstitutional-and the Supreme Court has said so several times."
The court ruled by a 6-3 vote on Feb. 26 that Santa Clara County must allow indoor worship services up to 20% capacity effective immediately. The decision affects all parishes, missions and chapels in the Diocese of San Jose.