October 10, 2007
US Bishop Denying Communion to Pro-Abortion Politicians
Archbishop Raymond Burke of the archdiocese of St. Louis was asked if he would deny Communion to Giuliani or any other presidential candidate who supports abortion rights. His response was: "If any politician approached me and he'd been admonished not to present himself, I'd not give it. To me, you have to be certain a person realizes he is persisting in a serious public sin." When asked if the same would apply to politicians who support the death penalty or pre-emptive war, he said, "It's a little more complicated in that case."
I applaud the Archbishop for his leadership and clarity on the issues. Abortion is always wrong because an innocent person is always killed, but the death penalty and war, while the Church is generally against them, can in certain circumstances be used legitimately to protect life. That is why they are more complicated issues. It would be a shower of mercy if the U.S. Bishops spoke in unison on these matters.
Some U.S. bishops interpret church teaching to say that an individual examination of conscience, not a minister, should dictate whether a person is worthy to receive the sacrament. But I agree with Archbishop Burke because I think it is an act of mercy. It is a great mercy for anyone administering Communion to deny it to someone who knowingly and publicly shapes the policy of this very grave sin contrary to Church teaching. It is an incredibly strong statement and reminder that they are not in communion with the fundamental teachings on the dignity of the human person. It would be false love to help them ignore the gravity of their actions and give them the Eucharist anyway.
We have to pray fervently for our politicians and Bishops because they have the ability to do serious public good or serious public evil. Let’s pray especially that in this election we’ll have an option for a president who will do some serious public good, beginning with ensuring the right to life, and Bishops who have one strong voice in helping us know and obtain what is good.
God bless,
Daniel
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