Tulsa — A law firm representing Saint Francis Health System says they are appealing a decision from to the Department of Health and Human Services.

The issue is a candle that burns in the chapel after an inspection in February.

“The Biden Administration has decided to shut down the largest hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the 12th largest hospital in the United States of America,” said host of the Erick Erickson Show on KRMG.

Hospital leaders say the hospital has what’s called a “living flame” in its chapels as a sign of the living presence of Jesus.

Saint Francis is a Catholic hospital system.

They were recently issued a citation over the candle.

“This has never been a problem before, this has been approved by the fire marshall,” said Lori Windham, Vice President and Senior Counsel with the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty.

“It would disrupt healthcare to those on Medicare and Medicaid,” said Erickson.

“We’re being asked to choose between serving those in need and worshipping God in the chapel, but they go hand in hand,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Saint Francis Barry Steichen.

Keep it tuned to 102.3 KRMG for updates on this story.

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