The Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services accuses Walter Reed National Military Medical Center of denying Catholic service members and veterans their right to practice their religion. The Military Hospital canceled a contract with the Catholic group and issued a “cease and desist” order to Holy Name College Friary. This Franciscan group has served at Walter Reed for over 20 years.
St. Pope John Paul II created the he Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services to provide church services to veterans and service members across the globe. The archdiocese has no geographical boundaries and serves in dozens of military hospitals and VA centers. They are responsible for serving 1.8 million Catholics across the globe.
The contract for Catholic Pastoral Care in March of last year, just as holy week was about to begin. Walter Reed replaced the priests with a secular defense contractor. Catholic officials say the firm will not be able to provide the care suffering Catholics need. The archdiocese says this encroaches on their first amendment rights to free religious exercise.
Archbishop Timothy Broglio said in a statement “It is incomprehensible that essential pastoral care is taken away from the sick and the aged when it was so readily available.” They requested to have the ministry reinstated through easter, but have not received a response. He went on to explain “This is a classic case where the adage ‘If it is not broken, do not fix it’ applies. I fear that giving a contract to the lowest bidder overlooked the fact that the bidder cannot provide the necessary service,” he said. “I earnestly hope that this disdain for the sick will be remedied at once and their First Amendment rights will be respected.”
The Archbishop acknowledged that the in house chaplains office will be providing catholic care during holy week. However, he said that without the presence of Catholic priests, service members and veterans are being denied their right to practice their religion. Important Catholic practices, such as communion, last rites and confession can only be administered by an ordained priest.
Walter Reed said in a statement that they are “welcoming and healing environment that honors and supports a full range of religious, spiritual, and cultural needs.” They went on to say, “Tomorrow, Catholic Easter Services will be provided to those who wish to attend. Services will include a celebration of Mass and the administration of Confession by an ordained Catholic Priest,”
The statement continued to minimize concerns: “For many years, a Catholic ordained priest has been on staff at WRNMMC providing religious sacraments to service members, veterans and their loved ones. There has also been a pastoral care contract in place to supplement those services provided.” They admitted the contract had been dropped, but held firm on their decision.
“Currently a review of the pastoral care contract is under review to ensure it adequately supports the religious needs of our patients and beneficiaries,” Walter Reed said. “Although at this time the Franciscan Diocese will not be hosting services on Sunday parishioners of the Diocese while patients at our facilities may still seek their services.”