Churches as Shelters

In the ordinary course of events, a church exists for public worship and liturgy, and other uses should be held elsewhere or greatly minimized. However, in times of crisis a church can be used as a shelter, provided that appropriate respect is appropriated for the sacred space.

Generally speaking, this might mean removing the Eucharist from the tabernacle to another secure location and roping off the sanctuary area. The rest of the area could in extraordinary circumstances be used for shelter. Parishes usually do not have showers, and only a minority would have kitchens, so this wouldn’t be a great long-term plan, but it could certainly be a temporary help in a time of crisis.