Chief Justice Rehnquist’s Funeral

Chief Justice William Rehnquist’s funeral was to be held Wednesday, September 7, at the Cathedral of St. Matthew in Washington, D.C. Although Rehnquist was a Lutheran, his family asked the Archdiocese of Washington for permission to use the cathedral because of its size and favorable location, a request that was granted by Theodore Cardinal McCarrick.

"[T]he Rehnquist family asked Cardinal Theodore McCarrick for use of the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle due to its size and central location, said Susan Gibbs, spokeswoman for the Washington Archdiocese.

"McCarrick will be present to welcome the Protestant worshippers, said the Rev. Jan Lookingbill of Emmanual Lutheran Church in Bethesda, Md., where Rehnquist long held membership."

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As the article notes the Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism allows for the local ordinary — in this case, Cardinal McCarrick — to permit the use of a Catholic church for a non-Catholic religious service:

"137. Catholic churches are consecrated or blessed buildings which have an important theological and liturgical significance for the Catholic community. They are therefore generally reserved for Catholic worship. However, if priests, ministers or communities not in full communion with the Catholic Church do not have a place or the liturgical objects necessary for celebrating worthily their religious ceremonies, the diocesan bishop may allow them the use of a church or a Catholic building and also lend them what may be necessary for their services. Under similar circumstances, permission may be given to them for interment or for the celebration of services at Catholic cemeteries."

The issue is currently being discussed over at Amy Welborn’s site if you’re interested in further commentary. Given the request of Rehnquist’s family, Cardinal McCarrick’s approval of the request according to the norms set down by the Directory, and the reports of Rehnquist’s own faithful attendance at the cathedral’s annual Red Mass for the legal profession, I have no problem with it. May Chief Justice Rehnquist rest in peace.