A new executive order from Gov. Tim Walz permits faith-based gatherings at 25% church capacity, with a total limit of 250 people, beginning May 27. The governor announced the new order May 23.

The new order follows two days of meetings with Archbishop Bernard Hebda and other faith leaders, after Minnesota Catholic bishops announced May 20 that they planned to move forward with Masses at 30% percent capacity, despite the governor’s limitations at that time of public worship to 10 people indoors or outdoors.

The bishops find the new guidance reasonable and have modified their plans to accommodate it. In addition to slightly lowering capacity limits, they are also waiting to resume public worship on May 27 Instead of May 26, as they initially planned.

“Out of the discussion, we certainly always recognize legitimate authority and reasonable regulation, and while recognizing that it’s our responsibility to determine how it is that we regulate the liturgy, we think that’s a very reasonable regulation given the state of COVID-19 in our state,” Archbishop Hebda told The Catholic Spirit.

In a letter May 23 letter to the faithful stating that the bishops welcome the new executive order, Archbishop Hebda emphasized that resuming public worship is optional, and parishes should not reopen for worship unless they feel comfortable doing so, and are ready to meet safety and public distancing guidelines.

To resume public worships, parishes must adhere to strict health and safety procedures, including social distancing, he said.

“We know that Governor Walz and his administration are trusting that when faith communities gather, they will do so consistent with public health guidance. Our commitment as Catholics to the common good makes it natural for us to pledge to be good citizens when we gather for worship,” he said.

Prior to the new executive order, which takes effect May 27, the bishops, along with a group of Lutheran churches, had planned to resume public worship beyond the 10-person limit because they believed they could do it safely within the health parameters outlined by the state, but under which some other aspects of public life, such as restaurants and malls, had been given greater flexibility.

Prior to the end of Walz’s stay-at-home order, they tried twice to get feedback from the Walz Administration on the plan, but with no concrete timeline for the capacity expansion of faith-based gatherings under another executive order Walz announced May 13, the bishops announced they would move ahead without waiting for the governor.

Walz’s announcement of the new executive order also follows President Donald Trump’s decision to deem houses of worship essential services and demand that governors lift restrictions on public worship.

At a press conference announcing the new order, Walz said he aimed to find a balance between Minnesota’s economic interests, freedom to worship and keeping Minnesotan safe. He was adamant that Minnesotans take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“The worst has not yet past in terms of infections and infection rate, and we’re learning more every day,” he said.

Walz thanked faith communities for taking public health guidance and preparing protocols that mitigate risks of spreading COVID-19. He said that the new guidance has allowed “a way to partner together with the archbishop,” referring to their meetings earlier in the week.