MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Rappler is reporting that the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has clarified that Catholics may hold hands during the Lord’s Prayer at mass.

Bishop Victor Bendico emphasized that nothing in the Scriptures nor in the Christian tradition of worship forbids them from doing so.

But Bendico emphasized however, that it is a different story when it comes to Catholics kissing each other during the peace offering at mass. “Even if it’s among family members, kissing in public may give other children and vulnerable adults in attendance some unwarranted ideas,” the bishop said. “It is best to to keep kissing in private,” he added.