- Feb 5, 2002
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Question: I am writing in response to and requesting an update from you on the Our Sunday Visitor article published two years ago, “Should pro-abortion politicians be excommunicated?” You concluded that there was a need for bishops to issue comprehensive teaching on the worthy reception of holy Communion and enforce it. It’s been two years, and what has changed? What action has the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops taken? There was a decision by the archbishop of San Francisco to refuse Communion to Nancy Pelosi, and another bishop has refused President Joe Biden. But other bishops are allowing them to receive Communion and the sacraments. Why hasn’t the USCCB, the cardinals and the Holy Father issued written corrections to these political leaders to clearly state that they are not to approach Communion? They support the killing of innocent babies and the harming of women. Yet, these political leaders, pushing for abortions to be provided, can freely say publicly that they are Catholic, enter a Catholic church and receive the sacraments? Where is the justice?
— William White, via email
Answer: The teaching document, entitled “The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church,” was issued in November 2021 and addresses your proper concerns as follows:
“St. Paul warns us that whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body: A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself (1 Cor 11:27-29). To receive the body and blood of Christ while in a state of mortal sin represents a contradiction … both claiming and rejecting communion at the same time. It is thus a counter sign, a lie — it claims a communion that, in fact, has been broken.
Continued below.
A follow-up: Should pro-abortion politicians receive Communion?
— William White, via email
Answer: The teaching document, entitled “The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church,” was issued in November 2021 and addresses your proper concerns as follows:
“St. Paul warns us that whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body: A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself (1 Cor 11:27-29). To receive the body and blood of Christ while in a state of mortal sin represents a contradiction … both claiming and rejecting communion at the same time. It is thus a counter sign, a lie — it claims a communion that, in fact, has been broken.
Continued below.
A follow-up: Should pro-abortion politicians receive Communion?
