Well I looked at my home Diocese, Cleveland and they are encouraging it to replace Hand holding according to the Plain Dealer article listed on adoremus.org/0903Posture.html
But so far I can’t see a mandate.
But then again, they have Future Church on the Grounds of St. Michael’s parish on the Westside, so who knows about them.
We are in the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio. When then-Bishop Griffin implemented (after looooooooooooooong deliberation) the changes put forth in the new GIRM and Redemtionis Sacramentum, one of his instructions was that in churches in the Diocese the congregation was to assume the orans during the Lord’s Prayer. I take that instruction as a mandate, although I suppose the liturgy police won’t carry me off if I don’t do it. I comply out of respect for Bishop Griffin and our pastor.
Bishop Griffin has since retired, however, our new Bishop has yet to change anything regarding the liturgy in the Diocese. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. But not during Mass, of course, even though that would be a posture available to the laity.
Bishop Vasa of the Diocese of Baker: “**the so-called “orans” posture, praying with hands extended, is the priestly gesture during this prayer and is not recommended for the congregation.” **
Again this is your opinion-----the orans posture is not forbidden, so therefore it is not wrong.
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