Biden denied Communion because of his stance on abortion

Rhamiel

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And how does the priest know the condition of Biden's soul?

Imagine you were denied? Just imagine that feeling of being in church, lining up for communion, and being denied.

Well the fact that Biden has voted to protect abortion rights is public knowledge

so the priest is not assuming something or even working off of private knowledge that only he knows

Since his sins were public and done repeatedly if he repents he should repent in public so others can be aware of his change of heart
 
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zippy2006

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And how does the priest know the condition of Biden's soul?

The minister of Holy Communion is not asked to discern the question of subjective guilt, but only whether there is an objective situation of sin.

To be “sinful”, one’s behavior must be objectively contrary to the dictates of faith or morals. CCC 1849-1853. Conduct that is offensive, irritating, distasteful, and so on, might or might not be sinful, yet, as the legislative history of Canon 915 makes clear, only sinful behavior triggers consequences for reception. Peters, Incrementa in Progressu 837. Canon 915 does not demand verification that would-be recipients are subjectively guilty for sinful behavior before withholding Holy Communion (canon law hardly expects ministers to read souls), but it does set out that one’s conduct must be sinful in the eyes of the Church (not necessarily those of the minister in question) to justify withholding the Eucharist. While extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion are likely to have some sense as to what kinds of behavior are “sinful”, they are unlikely to have the background necessary for illuminating factually close cases.

-The meaning of "Sinful" in Canon 915

Imagine you were denied? Just imagine that feeling of being in church, lining up for communion, and being denied.

That would be embarrassing, but receiving the Eucharist unworthily also has consequences (1 Cor 11:29). Sins such as supporting abortion also have consequences that go beyond embarrassment.

Oh, then having the world know because your priest talked to the media.

Public sin requires public rebuke. That is also an old Christian maxim.
 
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Tigger45

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And how does the priest know the condition of Biden's soul?

Imagine you were denied? Just imagine that feeling of being in church, lining up for communion, and being denied.
I’m sure it was a tough moment for Biden but maybe just maybe it will cause him to look deep and reconsider his position on abortion. Let’s face it the RC is stanchly pro-life and the priest has the responsibility of dispersing the Eucharist.

FWIW I watched a gentleman turned away from the chalice at an Eastern Orthodox Parish for having coffee on his breath.
 
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HopeInJesusOnly

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The minister of Holy Communion is not asked to discern the question of subjective guilt, but only whether there is an objective situation of sin.

To be “sinful”, one’s behavior must be objectively contrary to the dictates of faith or morals. CCC 1849-1853. Conduct that is offensive, irritating, distasteful, and so on, might or might not be sinful, yet, as the legislative history of Canon 915 makes clear, only sinful behavior triggers consequences for reception. Peters, Incrementa in Progressu 837. Canon 915 does not demand verification that would-be recipients are subjectively guilty for sinful behavior before withholding Holy Communion (canon law hardly expects ministers to read souls), but it does set out that one’s conduct must be sinful in the eyes of the Church (not necessarily those of the minister in question) to justify withholding the Eucharist. While extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion are likely to have some sense as to what kinds of behavior are “sinful”, they are unlikely to have the background necessary for illuminating factually close cases.

-The meaning of "Sinful" in Canon 915



That would be embarrassing, but receiving the Eucharist unworthily also has consequences (1 Cor 11:29). Sins such as supporting abortion also have consequences that go beyond embarrassment.



Public sin requires public rebuke. That is also an old Christian maxim.

Thanks, anyway.
 
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HopeInJesusOnly

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I’m sure it was a tough moment for Biden but maybe just maybe it will cause him to look deep and reconsider his position on abortion. Let’s face it the RC is stanchly pro-life and the priest has the responsibility of dispersing the Eucharist.

FWIW I watched a gentleman turned away from the chalice at an Eastern Orthodox Parish for having coffee on his breath.

Deleted -- too personal.
 
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Tigger45

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I had an abortion. I regret it to this day. Shall I be denied the rest of my life?
God bless you and no but that’s between you your priest and God.
 
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zippy2006

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I am at the worst point in my life, and if I went to church on Sunday and was denied communion, I'd likely kill myself once home.

I guess this is why I feel for Biden. Just some background for you.

I'm sorry to hear that. I don't think this sort of thing catches people by surprise, per se. It's certainly not meant to. Biden has been walking a tightrope on this issue for many, many years.

The complications around this case that apply to public officials probably don't apply to you. If you are concerned about whether you ought to receive I would simply speak to your priest about it or go to confession beforehand. Granted, I know nothing about the particulars of your case, but this story about Biden is not a commonality. Indeed, the fact that it is uncommon is the main reason why it is drawing so much attention.
 
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This is the sort of thing Americans were afraid of when JFK was running. The fear that Catholic politicians would be controlled by the Pope has pretty much vanished now, because of course there's no evidence for it. But it's disquieting to see the attempt made.

Biden does not advocate abortion. He accepts the Catholic position. However he thinks it's improper for the US to enforce it by law, since most of our citizens aren't Catholics.
It all depends on which law do you revere most. If you are a Christian who will compromise God's will for a vote, you shouldn't be a politician.
 
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(° ͡ ͜ ͡ʖ ͡ °) (ᵔᴥᵔʋ)

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President Donald Trump is twice divorced thrice married, tells lies in public, boasts of his lewd desires and claims to have engaged in lewd acts so ought he be denied communion?

It's a tribal thing I think. Dressing in moral outrage isn't very convincing.
Yes...he ought to be denied communion. But then again, he isn't Catholic. Only President of the United States.
 
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GingerBeer

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You spoke of tribes, and you made your tribe well known.
Really? What would my tribe be then? ;)

By the way, I'd be careful about communion for every public figure because so many of them are involved in shady things. Mind you, many quite ordinary people are too so if admission to communion is to be tested my guess is that few would pass the test. Many Christians engage in things that would mark them as informally excommunicate. But perhaps the idea with communion is to heal the spiritually sick and make whole the damaged soul, if that is the case both Joe Biden and Donald Trump might be in need of the grace intended in communion.
 
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HopeInJesusOnly

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Really? What would my tribe be then? ;)

By the way, I'd be careful about communion for every public figure because so many of them are involved in shady things. Mind you, many quite ordinary people are too so if admission to communion is to be tested my guess is that few would pass the test. Many Christians engage in things that would mark them as informally excommunicate. But perhaps the idea with communion is to heal the spiritually sick and make whole the damaged soul, if that is the case both Joe Biden and Donald Trump might be in need of the grace intended in communion.

This. Jesus came for the sick, the sinners. Of which we ALL are...and those of us who think we are sinless are liars.
 
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Original Happy Camper

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If Trump is not a Christian, he would not want to take communion anyway, but I can guarantee he hasn't repented from anything.

What are your qualification for saying he has not repented?
 
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What are your qualification for saying he has not repented?

He never stops lying about anything. Full repentence requires making a decision not to lie anymore, or at least try to be more truthful at all times, because lying is obviously a sin.
 
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