US shutdown hinders priestly ministry on military bases

During the shutdown of the United States federal government, many priests who minister to Catholics on American military bases worldwide are not permitted to work — even as volunteers.

Because of a shortage of active-duty chaplains, many US military bases arrange for priests on a contract basis. But during the shutdown — caused by a budgetary impasse in Congress — these contracts are suspended.

“During the shutdown, it is illegal for them to minister on base and they risk being arrested if they attempt to do so,” the US archdiocese for the military services has warned.

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