I’m glad to see this. I was horrified to see that the clergy were not allowed in the Boston bombing. And how can it hurt? Protestants don’t have any sacramental thing, but even the Protestants probably wouldn’t have minded having somebody praying with them.
And if the victim is unconscious and you don’t know if he’s Protestant, Catholic or Jewish, it still couldn’t hurt to have somebody pray for and even anoint him. If they’re conscious and they don’t want a priest, all they have to do is say no or shake their heads; priests don’t insist, although they might (gasp!) give them a blessing from afar.
The writer is correct. Dioceses should attempt to find out the policies.
Seriously, you really meant to say that?
Excellent points; clergy bring comfort and peace to those who are injured or are dying. Like you, I too was horrified when the clergy were turned away in Boston. Thanks for the post and ping.