[thor76]

Good points made: a) ONLY men's feet may be washed, that is the rule, plain and simple. There have been numerous pronouncements from Rome on this issue, and b) if it is going to be a political debacle, the pastor or bishop should suppress the ceremony - it is optional!

[Land of the Irish]

b) if it is going to be a political debacle, the pastor or bishop should suppress the ceremony - it is optional!

Push religion aside in lieu of politics? I don't think so. Many martyrs were offered "options" to save their own lives, they chose to remain Catholic rather than deny or even allow suppression of their faith.