The Collective Choice of Global Lockdown (Patriarchal Letter)

By Jean Du Bois

PATRIARCHAL SEE 19 April 2020 (ORCNS) - HHEArchfather Don Rutherford issued a Patriarchal Letter entitled "The Collective Choice of Global Lockdown." The letter addressed five key conditions in society that existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic that contributed to the widespread international decision by governments to lock down their populations and close large portions of their economies. The complete text of His Holy Eminence's letter follows:

DON RVTHERFORDVS ARCHIPATER I

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, people around the globe made the collective decision through their demands and their consent, both vocal and tacit, to lock down the world, keeping individuals at home and closing down many businesses. That is, many governments imposed such restrictions, but they seemed merely to be reflecting the wishes of the vocal majority (and not every country in the world chose to shut down). The collective choice seems to be rooted in part in pre-pandemic attitudes against commerce, individual profit, religion, responsible use of resources, and forward-looking calculated risk; and in favour of socialism, socialist utilitarianism, secularism, and the idea that humanity is a blight on the earth. Those attitudes were coupled with and perhaps led to a lack of faith in institutions, for it quickly became unclear who in authority was trustworthy and what information could be trusted. That widespread fear quickly set in and spread faster than the virus was no surprise. 

There were and are, of course, alternatives to a lockdown. Each option has its own set of benefits and risks, while still caring for those who are at the most risk. At the moment, to suggest an alternative to lockdown is to risk the wrath of others, it seems. However, this is not the first pandemic that I have been through. This is the first time that the collective choice – and it was a choice – to lockdown the world was made. 

Such choices do not appear out of thin air. When each of us decide something, it is according to our personal viewpoints, beliefs, and philosophies. In this pandemic, media fueled the flames with sensational headlines and questionable statistics. Confusion reigned as scientists and politicians emotionally promoted their agendas. There was no vote to lock everything down per se. There were opinion polls taken in some places, and the public often clamoured to have their government “cancel everything” and lock everyone down. Governments gave the order, but society agreed, and thus society as a whole is accountable for the decision and its outcome. Indeed, societal agreement with and encouragement for the global lockdown decision by government ultimately seems to have resulted from the collective viewpoint, beliefs, and philosophy of society at large prior to the pandemic. What, then, did society on average think before the pandemic? It is difficult on one hand to generalise, but there are trends, and I submit that those trends that existed before the pandemic that led to conditions in which a lockdown decision would be accepted by the general public are as follows: 

1. Society, egged on by the media, promoted the idea that commerce (especially profit from commerce) is bad and stems from greed. Of course, greed exists, but to apply that label to all profit-making commercial activity is both unfair and a gross misunderstanding of the nature of work. Much of commerce is providing valuable services to others. When we as individuals go to work, we are working to live – we work to put food on the table, as well as to provide other necessary and even discretionary items. The money we earn is not simply money, but it is the fruit of our labour. Unless we are slaves (and slavery sadly does still exist in the world today), then we own our own labour, for our labour is merely the application of our time and energy, both of which are part of our individual lives. This is not a question of lives versus money, as some people now attempt to claim. Rather, it is a question of lives versus lives. That is even more true for the most poor and vulnerable people. In some cases, people around the world depend upon daily wages just to be able to eat, making the risk of starvation a higher concern for them than contagious diseases (and there are plenty of other contagious or even lethal diseases around the world at the moment than the novel coronavirus). When a business or an individual is forced into economic hardship or bankruptcy, it is, therefore, literally taking away part of the life of that individual. Consider, for example, the new college graduate who can no longer expect to get a job this summer or the person who used their life savings and a house mortgage to start a business just before the pandemic, only to have it fail due to being forced by the government (acting under popular opinion) to close. Yes, there are attempts by government and private organisations to provide financial assistance, but there is not a limitless pool of money. A society that believes that commerce and legitimate profit from commerce are evil will certainly not blink at businesses being shut down – that is, not until it hits them personally in the pocketbook, but perhaps not even then, depending on how deeply rooted their anti-commerce beliefs are. 

2. Society has been moving more and more towards socialism and has entered into it in some countries. Socialism believes in strong state control of commerce, with a primary focus on the common good rather than a balance between common good and the rights of individuals. This applies to economic activity, such as issues of redistribution of wealth, as well as personal property, health, and even personal freedom. And, what is “good for society” is naturally determined by the state, for individuals under socialism are subject to and dependents of the state. The concept of an individual in the image of God vanishes. Indeed, a crisis benefits socialist leaders since it offers an opportunity to exercise more control and redistribute wealth as they see fit. And, it will typically do so according to the utilitarian principles that so often go along with socialism. Utilitarianism says that society should choose the option that is believed to do the most good for the most people, even if it imposes costs on the minority. The state and society are all-important. The individual disappears. A society that believes in socialism, then, seems quite ripe for a lockdown that the government has determined is “good for them,” even when it imposes risks and costs on individuals. 

3. Going along with an increased belief in socialism is a decreased belief in God and religion. In socialism, God is replaced with the state. If God is no longer important, then the result is what we actually see now. Clergy are declared nonessential workers in many places, while marijuana stores are in fact considered essential and remain open. In some places, clergy are prohibited under criminal penalty from visiting those in need, and some churches are cited by the police even for holding services in which everyone remains in their vehicles. Furthermore, a lack of belief in God and religion naturally leads to an abandonment of the idea that there is any higher purpose for which risks are justified. A society that has abandoned God, deemed religion unimportant, and abandoned any sense of higher purpose, then, would surely not be too bothered when religious institutions are deemed nonessential and their rights are trampled underfoot by the civil government. 

4. Consistent with a belief that commerce is evil, an increase in socialist utilitarianism, and a reduction in a belief in God and religion, society has increasingly adopted the belief that humanity is a curse upon the earth. Some even suggest that the earth would be better off if humans did not exist. Without going to that extreme, though, there was an increasing belief in society that travel, commerce, and other human activities should be dramatically curtailed. However, the principles of sustainability do not say all activity should be stopped, but rather that there should be a balance between activity today and activity tomorrow and in the future. It is the principal of conservation. Complete reduction of environmental pollutants is simply not practicable, and thus it becomes a trade-of between pollution abatement and disposable income that can be used for other purposes. Yet, those that believe that humanity truly is a curse to the world would surely applaud the forced stoppage of a tremendous amount of economic activity around the globe, despite the damage it does to individuals. 

5. Society has become far more focused on the present. History is often abandoned, except where it might serve a political agenda. The future (ironically in violation of the basic principles of sustainability and conservation that society claims to admire today) is ignored. When there is no historical framework, one lacks an “internal compass” to determine the correct path. When there is no concern for the future, the present becomes all-important. As the focus becomes more on the present, people are less willing to take risks now for the future. A present-focused, risk-averse society seems quite likely to opt for a total lockdown. 

These five societal trends certainly appear to be leading influencing forces that led to the (almost universal) societal collective choice to have governments lock down the population and shut down businesses. Prudence appears to have been replaced with “an abundance of caution.” Government leaders around the world also have consistently presented unclear, constantly changing messages and often arbitrary decisions, contributing understandably to public paranoia and fear. Far from the utopian promises of these five societal trends, the result has actually been a decrease in order in society. In this situation, society, both in the short run in the long run, would be far better served by forethought and balance. In the end, society gets the outcome that it deserves based on its choices – or at least the choices of the vocal majority. How do we fix the situation in the world? Remedy the five societal trends mentioned above, and fear should diminish. Once fear is no longer part of the equation, the solution will become clear.

Archfather's Position on Pandemic, Economic Recovery, Vulnerable People Being Adopted by Mainstream Media, Politicians

Archfather Don Rutherford I

By Jean DuBois

PATRIARCHAL SEE 13 April 2020 (ORCNS) - The Florentine Archfather and the Imperial Patriarchate have been consistent in their message since the beginning of the coronavirus global pandemic: Do not panic; treat the sick; protect the vulnerable, which includes those who are at risk of harm by government responses and economic shutdowns; do not forget the many other diseases that are out there and remain a threat; keep the economy going in order to protect the health and well-being of all people, both in the short-term and long-term. The mantra was: Stay Calm - Save Lives. Those have not always been popular ideas, but now the mainstream media and politicians are adopting those same concepts.

Since the beginning of the global pandemic, the Imperial Patriarchate has been highly involved in health and humanitarian service, in the example of Christ, to improve the condition of mankind, alleviate problems, and speak for the poor and vulnerable

Members of the Walsingham Guard
were among the first to respond
to the needs of their communities.

. The Walsingham Guard and Naval Guard were among the first to respond to the needs of local communities and the world. Involved in those efforts was HHE Don Rutherford I, Florentine Archfather. Like others in positions like his, Don Rutherford receives a daily briefing from the Chief of the General Staff and other key members of the Curia and the Walsingham Guard Division of Medicine on the ongoing health, humanitarian, and economic situation around the world. The Archfather made a variety of statements and policy recommendations regarding the pandemic and surrounding situations beginning in February. On 30 March, he issued a patriarchal encyclical entitled Orbis Est to the President of the

United Nations Economic and Social Council, with which the Imperial Patriarchate is in special consultative status. The encyclical detailed significant humanitarian concerns regarding global economic shutdown and the overall nature of government response to the pandemic. In that encyclical, His Holy Eminence said, “It is incumbent upon the United Nations and especially the Economic and Social Council thereof to consider and strongly promote the serious humanitarian, economic, and social considerations of the worldwide government responses to this current pandemic. Many of those who currently suffer and will suffer the most are the poor

India has some of the largest
numbers of people at risk, even
of starvation, from the
economic shutdown. 

and vulnerable around the world, both in comparatively wealthy countries and especially in less affluent countries. Yet, the severe and wide-reaching impact is not limited to the poor and vulnerable alone. This same obligation falls upon the leaders of extant territorial governments of the world. The responsibility for the suffering and damage is entirely upon their hands.”

Earlier such ideas were largely ignored. Now mainstream media and politicians are beginning to respond in earnest.

The Caribbean Communications Network, for example, pointed out that economic panic causing a recession could actually kill more people than the coronavirus. A CNN article showed that Italy’s lockdown, being the world’s eighth largest economy, is likely going to create a deep recession. Another CNN article predicted a global recession due to coronavirus. Recent articles are now pointing out the serious potential impact this can have on individuals, with more specific predictions of damages. For example, a USA Today article suggests that approximately one third of the workforce in many metropolitan areas of the United States is in jeopardy. It isn’t about the money, though. It is about health and well-being, including for those who suffer dramatically due to economic hardship. And, just as the Archfather pointed out in his encyclical Orbis Est, a Washington Times article also noted that the doomsday-like attitudes towards coronavirus is ignoring the many other health problems and tragedies that kill far more people every year.

In another patriarchal encyclical entitled Qui Eunt ad Mare written to the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation within the United Nations, the Archfather specifically addressed the problem of governments turning their backs on people who are stranded at sea and sought the support of the UN and other governments to solve the problem. Shortly thereafter, the Holland America Line cruise ship ms Zaandam was permitted to dock in Florida. Other ships at sea are slowly being brought into ports around the world. 

The Chief of the General Staff, the Prince v.
Reichenberg (right) in conference with the Archfather.
The Chief of the General Staff keeps the Archfather and
other members of the Curia up-to-date on
important world events. 

Another problematic side effect of the response of many governments around the world to coronavirus has been to limit religious freedom, even beyond requesting modifications in the interest of public health. That was also specifically addressed in the encyclical Orbis Est, as well as the Patriarchal Letter Religion is Essential and in a recent Archpatral Ban condemning usurpation of church authority and the cruel suppression of religious rights by many leaders around the world, even as many other leaders recognise that religion is essential and extremely important during times of crisis. Church participation in many countries, including Italy, is made illegal by civil governments, and in the United States, some state governors have likewise made religious activity illegal. Some churches have begun fighting back with lawsuits. These efforts all seem to be having an effect. The Archfather issued the ban in the morning of Holy Saturday, 11 April, and that was followed later that same day by the US Attorney General stating that he would pursue action against any state officials who sought to violate the religious rights of individuals.

The people of the Imperial Patriarchate are always
willing to help those in need. 

The efforts of the many faithful leaders of the Imperial Patriarchate join those of many other dedicated people around the world to help mitigate the humanitarian and economic crisis resulting from the global pandemic and especially from government responses to the pandemic. Difficult problems are not typically solved overnight. Spiritual work remains important – indeed the most important, always and especially in times of crisis. The Imperial Patriarchate, as the successors to Pope Leo X and the Custodians of the Apostolic See of St. Mark in Aquileia, co

The Basilica of St. Peter, Vatican.
The Imperial Patriarchate is the
successor to Pope Leo X.

ntinues in a legacy of service of over 2000 years of its history to help those in need in the example of Christ. It remains a key leading force in global Catholic humanitarian service. In the modern era, with the authority of Florence and Rome, the Imperial Patriarchate leads the way forward. 

Stay Calm - Save Lives. 

Patriarchal Allocution on Easter 2020 Speaks of Hope, Challenges, and Service

HHE Don Rutherford I 

PATRIARCHAL SEE 12 April 2020 (ORCNS) - HHE Don Rutherford I, Florentine Archfather and Cardinal Count of Sainte Animie gave his annual Easter Allocution today from the Résidence Sans-Souci Ouest. The Archfather’s message was one of hope, while acknowledging the serious challenges facing the Church, and especially the clear and present danger facing the poor and vulnerable around the world as a result of government response to the current pandemic. His Holy Eminence also gave his sincerest thanks to the clergy and lay leadership of the Imperial Patriarchate for all that they do in service to others. Among the acknowledgments were the Walsingham Guard and Naval Guard for being among the first to respond to the needs of communities during the pandemic. The Easter Allocution is one of five Patriarchal Allocutions given at specific times during the year by the Archfather. The allocution ended with an apostolic blessing. The video and complete transcript of the allocution are provided below. 

____________________________________

FROM the Florentine household to the Christian faithful around the world, grace, peace, and Our Apostolic blessing on this glorious Resurrection Sunday in the year of our Lord 2020. This year our Holy Week celebrations, as well as the start of the Easter season find the world in a state of confusion. The recent pandemic and the government responses to that pandemic have caused much panic, much confusion, much upheaval and turmoil. Indeed the government responses to the pandemic in many countries around the world have put hundreds of millions of people, particularly the poor and the vulnerable, at severe risk – especially those who are at severe risk for starvation. As we began our Paschaltide season, we must not allow ourselves to forget the condition of those who are the most poor and vulnerable as the governments take the steps that they take. Likewise we must not forget those who are suffering from health problems, whether it is the COVID-19 or any of the many other ailments, illnesses, and contagious diseases with which humanity must cope.

Fortunately there is much to celebrate, not the least of which is the Resurrection of Christ. On Good Friday, we experienced the death of the earthly body of our Lord. Then He went down into hell to bring the good news to those who were waiting. And on this day, on this day the tomb was empty. Our Lord conquered death. He conquered the grave in fulfillment of the promise, in fulfillment of the prophecy, that we may all have the hope of everlasting life.

And so as we sit in a world of confusion, a world of illness, a world in which so many people are forgotten by the very people in power who are supposed to take care of them and to care for their condition, we nevertheless know that the final and eternal victory is ours. It is indeed a fallen world, and though we are in it, we are not of it. The kingdom that we serve is of course ultimately not of this world. It is the kingdom of Christ, which has no end. Indeed we know that there are so many more important things to deal with than the concerns of this life. We should concern ourselves primarily with the Kingdom of Heaven, and while we are in this life, we should do what we can and do what we must to establish that kingdom here on earth.

Our Lord, as we celebrate each Holy Thursday, instituted the Sacrament of the Eucharist that we may join ourselves with His Holy Sacrifice and thereby work towards the hope of eternal salvation. On Pentecost, which is to come, we will again, as we do each year, celebrate the descent of the Holy Ghost that was promised by Christ, that we may not be alone. And it was at that time that the Apostles, just as they were ordained priests at the Last Supper, were ordained what came to be known as bishops.

It is to Christ’s Holy Church that the authority was given and exists still to this day to administer the Kingdom of God here on earth. Nothing on earth stands above Holy Mother Church, and nothing ultimately has authority over it. It has been, since the institution of Christ's Holy Church, an unfortunate feature of life on Earth that the civil authorities and civil organisations often act contrary to the will of the Church and to the will of God, standing indeed against Christ’s Holy Church, the very Bride of Christ, and standing against the Bishops, the very successors of the Apostles. Yet, we must remain firm against this. We cannot give in. We must not. It is our duty to put God and His Holy Church above all else. Again, as we know from this Sunday, this Resurrection Sunday, as we are reminded each year on Resurrection Sunday, the final victory is ours.

Now, I would also like to point out that the Imperial Patriarchate is continuing to experience a growth in vocations. And, during this time of global pandemic our various institutions, particularly the Walsingham Guard and Naval Guard, are highly involved in health and humanitarian service. In fact, the Walsingham Guard was among the first to respond to the needs of local communities, as well as providing high-level policy work. It is through the tireless efforts of our clergy and of the members of our humanitarian and other organisations that the Imperial Patriarchate helps to make the world a better place, in the example of Christ, flowing from the altar of God, indeed, helping to establish the Kingdom of God here on earth. And as churches have found themselves persecuted in this time of confusion by the civil governments in their responses to the pandemic, as they find their rights and their authority usurped, and they have changed their model, the model of the Imperial Patriarchate, Anglican Rite Roman Catholic Church has shown itself resilient. Indeed, with our mission-based approach, the Imperial Patriarchate, Anglican Rite Roman Catholic Church has led the way, with our approaches being emulated from everyone from the Pope in the Basilica of St. Peter to many parishes around the globe. You, the clergy of the Anglican Rite Roman Catholic Church, the clergy of this See, should be proud of yourselves, and I thank you very much for your service over the years, as I also thank the members of the Walsingham Guard and Naval Guard, the Noble Company St. Mary of Walsingham, and our other organisations and apostolates for all the service that they give, for all the time that they spend in selfless service to others.

And now prepare yourselves to receive God's blessing.

Et benedictio Dei omnipotensis, Patris, + et Filii, + et Spiritus + Sancti, descendat super vos et maneat semper. R. Amen.

Easter Greetings from the Florentine Archfather

Easter Greetings from Don Rutherford I, Florentine Archfather.

Archfather Challenges Global Leaders on Religious Freedom During Pandemic

By Jean DuBois

PATRIARCHAL SEE 11 April 2020 (ORCNS) - On Holy Saturday, His Holy Eminence the Florentine Archfather issued a ban of excommunication for "... all heads of states and government officials of any level who impose any legal restrictions upon the Church, engage in hostility against the Church, openly oppose Church sovereignty and authority, prevent the clergy from fulfilling their duties, prevent the faithful from religious participation, or impose any penalties upon the clergy or faithful for religious participation and the fulfillment of their spiritual duties." This was done so that the Church might make a public stand in favour of religious freedom around the world. Often misunderstood, such a ban, the highest penalty the Church can impose, is a pastoral tool that ultimately and sincerely seeks true repentance and reconciliation, that the peace of God might be established on earth as it is in Heaven.

The complete text of the document is provided below.

_________________________________

BANNUM EXCOMMUNICATIONIS

WHEREAS the present global pandemic warrants significant attention and diligent effort both from church and state, as do all pandemics, the governments of some nations, both at the national level and at provincial and local levels, have taken measures that unquestionably have placed hundreds of millions of people, particularly the poor and vulnerable, at additional serious risks, not the least of which is the very real threat of starvation for many due to lack of daily wages. Further troubling is the complete lack of respect by the governments of some nations of the sovereignty of Holy Mother Church, the usurpation of Church authority by such civil governments, direct hostile action taken by the said governments against the hierarchy and clergy of the Church, and the denial of religious rights of countless people in many nations. We have spoken on this matter. Others have spoken on this matter. Yet, while some nations have openly embraced the role of the Church, reverencing her authority, embracing her worthy role, and respecting the religious rights of the people, nevertheless the governments of many nations have failed to respect the religious rights of their people and the sovereign and supreme authority of the Church. It is not for any civil government to dictate to the Church, to impose orders upon the clergy, or to control the fulfillment of religious obligations and religious participation on the part of the faithful. That is wholly and entirely the exclusive right of the government of the Church. We, therefore, have a duty to impose the strictest of penalties for the benefit of the faith, the Church militant here on earth, and the faithful around the world.

     By Our sovereign and universal authority under Almighty God that we possess from Rome and Florence, We, as Bishop of St. Stephen, Legate of Christ, Custodian of the Apostolic See of St. Mark at Aquileia, Successor of Pope Leo X, hereby and forthwith impose by these presents a ban of excommunication upon all heads of states and government officials of any level who impose any legal restrictions upon the Church, engage in hostility against the Church, openly oppose Church sovereignty and authority, prevent the clergy from fulfilling their duties, prevent the faithful from religious participation, or impose any penalties upon the clergy or faithful for religious participation and the fulfillment of their spiritual duties. This does not apply to any such persons in government of a state that make requests of the Church, seeking to work together with the Church as a partner. Neither does this apply to any such persons in government of a state that merely imposes general restrictions that do not specifically apply to spiritual activities, but temporarily modify the manner in which such activities are carried out in the interest of public health without in any way preventing that which is determined by the Church to be appropriate and necessary spiritual activity.

     Under the provisions of this ban, any civil official to which it applies suffers immediate loss of legitimacy to hold civil office. Therefore, all edicts, orders, legislation, judgments, and other acts that apply to their civil office that they carry out, decree, or impose during the imposition of this ban are rightly considered null and void as long as this ban remains in force. Furthermore, the faithful who individually choose to disobey such officials commit no moral offense by doing so. Most importantly, the faithful are entirely justified in making a personal decision to disobey especially the anti-religious acts and regulations of such officials and are absolved from any moral responsibility from such disobedience to the civil government. Moreover, this ban and all its provisions likewise apply to any civil official or agent of a civil government that seeks to impose penalties upon the faithful who do not follow provisions, decrees, orders, and regulations of civil officials excommunicated under this ban are likewise excommunicated by this ban.

     The provisions of this ban are reserved to this See. They may be lifted for a particular person without further act immediately upon true repentance and removal of all offending civil provisions, provided that such removal is done for the purpose of respect of the faith, fear of God, acknowledgment and reverence of Church sovereignty and authority, and the benefit of the souls of the faithful. Any removal of such provisions by a civil official for any other reason shall not result in automatic lifting of this ban.

     We genuinely and sincerely hope and desire that the civil officials excommunicated under this ban may repent and be reconciled with the Church. In such a case, We would welcome them with open arms. The Church and the civil state should be partners working for the common good of the people, with the acknowledgment that such work only is legitimate if it is under God, with the Church supreme above the state. Again, We pray that the civil officials may be reconciled with Almighty God and His Holy Church. Until such time, We enjoin all civil officials covered by this ban from any and all exercise of their civil office.

Ego Archipater R.

Stations of the Cross - Archfather Leads Private Recitation

SANS-SOUCI OUEST 10 April 2020 (ORCNS) - HHE Archfather Don Rutherford I led a private recitation of the Stations of the Cross, otherwise known as the Via Crucis, today, Good Friday, at the Résidence Sans-Souci Ouest. The Stations of the Cross are a Catholic devotion commemorating the last day of Jesus Christ on earth as a man. There are fourteen or stations, each with a devotion focusing on specific events of that day. It begins with His condemnation and ends with Him being laid in the tomb. The devotion for each station involves a meditation, the Pater Noster, the Ave Maria, and a series of other prayers, versicles, and responses. Although this recitation is done in one single location, the Via Crucis often involves moving from one icon to another, each representing one of the fourteen stations. The Via Crucis recited here is according to the traditional Catholic ritual as found in the Rituale Anglicanum, published by the Imperial Patriarchate, with both Latin and liturgical English used. Following its long-standing practices and experience, the Anglo-Italian Imperial Patriarchate, Anglican Rite Roman Catholic Church continues to lead the way during in reaching diverse global audiences through media and mission work during the global pandemic.

Archfather Don Rutherford Recites Vespers for Good Friday

SANS-SOUCI OUEST 10 April 2020 (ORCNS) - HHE Don Rutherford I, Florentine Archfather shared a private recitation of Vespers for Good Friday. As is customary during Lent, Vespers is said traditionally during the morning during Lent rather than the evening, as it is during the rest of the liturgical year. The Archfather wears the version of the choral habit for Good Friday, on which day the prelates of the Imperial Patriarchate lay aside the lace rochet as a sign of mourning. Following its long-standing practices and experience, the Anglo-Italian Imperial Patriarchate, Anglican Rite Roman Catholic Church continues to lead the way during in reaching diverse global audiences through media and mission work during the global pandemic.