Dear Monsignor/Father,
Please be aware of the following alert we received from Catholic Mutual and from other sources at the USCCB:
In light of the potential changes from the U.S. Supreme Court on abortion, law enforcement agencies across the U.S. are issuing alerts for violence and civil unrest starting with this weekend, with the target of Mother’s Day. Pastors and parish staff should remain vigilant and be prepared should protestors decide to show up in front of one of your churches.
- Try not to engage with the protestors.
- Work with local law enforcement and follow their recommendations. They can also help manage the event. Police are the only ones with legal authority to deal with these protestors. They can assist by keeping protestors off of church property and making sure the protest remains peaceful.
- If media shows up, make no comment or consider designating one person from the church to be authorized to talk with the media.
- Please make your staff and volunteers are aware of this potential fluid situation involving protesting at your church. Have a greeter or other trusted volunteer available at each Mass with a cellphone should there be a need to report any disruption in the Church or on Church property to authorities. This is a "best practice" for every weekend should an emergency, including a medical emergency, arise during Mass.
If we learn more, we will immediately share it with parishes via Flocknote.
Thank you,