Man in viral church video was removed by outsiders, Los Angeles Archdiocese says
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles said Precious Blood Church did not participate in or permit an anti‑Islam demonstration that entered the church on Aug. 23. Protesters, including a man chased out and painted blue, moved from a nearby rally onto the church sidewalk and entered the building without permission. Church volunteers who were cleaning after Mass asked the demonstrators to leave; the Archdiocese confirmed the individuals were not parish staff or affiliated with the diocese. Los Angeles Police responded at about 2:25 p.m.; no charges were filed.
about 1 month ago
A viral video showing a man being forcibly removed from Precious Blood Catholic Church in Los Angeles was later clarified by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to involve individuals with no affiliation to the parish or the archdiocese. The incident occurred during an anti‑Islam demonstration organized by Eoin Richard Connolly, and the archdiocese emphasized that the church did not sanction the protest, the filming, or the actions of those who removed the man. No charges have been filed, and the archdiocese reiterated its respect for peaceful expression while maintaining a safe worship environment. 1
Churches should safeguard against unauthorized protest entry
Churches should protect worshippers and the sacred character of the building against unauthorized demonstrations, while respecting human dignity and lawful peaceful expression.
A church is a sacred place, not an ordinary venue for political confrontation. Canon 1210 states:
“Only those things which serve the exercise or promotion of worship, piety, or religion are permitted in a sacred place.”
Other uses may be allowed by the competent ecclesiastical authority, but activities contrary to the holiness of the place are forbidden.
Unauthorized entry can therefore disrupt prayer, frighten parishioners, obstruct worship, and potentially become a gravely injurious action. Under Canon 1211, a sacred place is violated when such actions cause scandal and are judged sufficiently grave by the local ordinary. This determination belongs to the bishop or other competent ecclesiastical authority; not every protest or verbal disturbance automatically constitutes canonical violation or desecration.
The Catechism defines sacrilege as treating sacred persons, places, things, or liturgical actions unworthily, identifying it as especially grave when directed against the Eucharist.
Parishes and dioceses should consider:
These measures should be proportionate and non-discriminatory. A church must not treat an entire religious, ethnic, or political group as threatening merely because some individuals have acted improperly.
The Church welcomes dialogue and encourages concerns to be expressed through proper channels rather than through disruption. The USCCB emphasizes that engagement should involve serious dialogue, not merely public events or publicity. The Church’s own approach to conflict resolution calls for truth, courage, prudence, reverence, and charity.
Accordingly, peaceful demonstrations may generally take place in lawful public areas, but entering a church without permission to stage a protest is not a legitimate exercise of that freedom. Parish leaders should respond firmly, calmly, and without retaliatory violence, summoning civil authorities where necessary.
Safeguarding a church is not hostility toward protesters; it is a duty to preserve worship, protect people, and uphold the dignity of a place dedicated to God.