Walter Reed Military Medical Center Terminates Catholic Pastoral Care Contract

Walter Reed National Medical Center terminated its Catholic pastoral care contract — on the eve of Holy Week.

The dismissal was accompanied by a “cease and desist order” to Holy Name College Seminary, whose Franciscan priests and brothers provided religious services to service members and veterans at Walter Reed for decades.

Archbishop for the Military Services Timothy P. Broglio called the decision “incomprehensible.” In an official statement, the Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services condemned the decision as infringing on the First Amendment’s Free Exercise Clause.

The Franciscans’ contract has gone to a secular firm, which critics argue will not provide the same level of care.

President Biden, a practicing Catholic, hasn’t commented.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby declined to respond to a reporter’s question at the White House Monday afternoon.

Fox News has more on the controversy and Archbishop Broglio’s reaction:

“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.”

While the Archdiocese acknowledged that the chaplain’s office said Catholic care is being provided during Holy Week, it said that without Catholic priests, service members and veterans are being denied their right to practice their religion. Certain central Catholic practices – such as the celebration of the Mass and the administration of Confession – can only be carried out by an ordained Catholic priest.

In a statement on Saturday, Walter Reed said the center is a “welcoming and healing environment that honors and supports a full range of religious, spiritual, and cultural needs.”

“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 said. “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.”

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