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A leaked draft document addressing the revision of liturgical norms in the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina, has caused controversy. The document, reportedly written by Bishop Michael T. Martin, was shared on the blog Rorate Caeli and criticized for its approach to practices predating the Second Vatican Council.
Liz Chandler, diocesan communications director, confirmed the authenticity of the draft but clarified that it was an early version that had undergone significant changes through discussions with the diocese's presbyteral council and divine worship office. She emphasized that any final changes would be communicated through official channels.
The draft letter titled "Go In Peace, Glorifying the Lord By Your Life" proposed several contentious changes. Among them were restrictions on celebrating Mass "ad orientem" and limiting Latin usage in liturgy to when a majority understood it. It also addressed practices such as communal recitation of prayers at Mass and discouraged favoring one form of receiving Communion over another.
Bishop Martin’s proposal also included consolidating Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) locations from four to one centrally located chapel in Mooresville, effective July 8. This decision aligns with Pope Francis's 2021 apostolic letter "Traditionis Custodes," which sought to regulate TLM celebrations more strictly.
The move has prompted reactions from community members and led to the formation of a group called “Faithful Advocate,” advocating for dialogue and reconsideration of these decisions. They have launched an online petition urging Bishop Martin to delay implementation until further clarity is provided by Rome.
Renovations are underway for the new chapel location in Mooresville, with upgrades costing approximately $700,000. The site was chosen strategically between major population centers within the diocese.
Bishop Martin stated that his decree completes implementing "Traditionis Custodes," reversing permissions granted under Pope Benedict XVI's 2007 apostolic letter "Summorum Pontificum." The changes reflect concerns about maintaining ecclesial communion following Vatican II reforms.
Gina Christian reports for OSV News, with contributions from Peter Jesserer Smith.
