WASHINGTON - Traffic jams kept many churchgoers from attending Washington, D.C., church services on Palm Sunday, according to The Washington Post.
Church leaders say they ran into problems when the inaugural DC Marathon tied up traffic and kept people from using many parking spaces.
"I saw a drastic reduction in our numbers," said Monsignor Ronald Jameson of St. Matthews Cathedral. Jameson told the paper one Mass drew 644 people compared to 1,108 at last year's Palm Sunday celebration.
Marathon organizers claim only a few incidents were reported of worshipers unable to use parking as promised. Organizers had distributed alternative route directions to the churches and assigned "church ambassadors" to guide those who appeared lost.
Opening ceremonies for the city's top tourist event, the Cherry Blossom Festival, also were held Palm Sunday, adding to the traffic. Washington, D.C., Mayor Anthony Williams said the marathon will not be held on Palm Sunday again.
