The Archdiocese of St. Louis has filed a federal lawsuit alleging restrictions at the Ste. Genevieve County Detention Center prevent Catholic priests from providing confession, Communion and other pastoral care to immigration detainees.
“Catholic priests seek to offer — and detainees want to receive — the sacraments of Communion and confession, as well as other pastoral care,” the lawsuit says
Priests say they have not been allowed to celebrate Mass and are limited to a four-hour visitation period each week. They also must communicate with detainees by telephone through a glass partition, preventing private, face-to-face interactions required for confession and the administration of Communion, according to the lawsuit.
Jail officials have said the no-contact policy is intended to maintain safety and security and prevent contraband.
The lawsuit alleges violations of the First Amendment and federal and Missouri religious-freedom laws. The Archdiocese is seeking court orders requiring greater clergy access to detainees.