Bishops won't deny politicians communion

[JoFerret]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-4118037,00.html


PHOENIX (AP) - Breaking with some colleagues, two Arizona bishops say they won't deny Communion to Roman Catholic politicians who support abortion rights.

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of Phoenix said that instead of refusing to offer Communion, he will attempt to use persuasion to educate politicians about church teachings.

``My job is to get to know the key people in the state and appeal to their consciences,'' he said.

Bishop Gerald Kicanas of Tucson didn't go as far as Olmsted but said Thursday that sanctions against politicians would be ``premature.''

Several conservative bishops, including Archbishop Raymond Burke of St. Louis and Bishop Michael Sheridan of Colorado Springs, Colo., said in a letter earlier this week said any Catholic who votes for a politician who backs abortion rights cannot receive Communion.


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[CBHagman]

1. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick is another one.

Washington, D.C., is his diocese. He's been pretty open about not wanting to bar anyone from communion.

Roger Mahony (Los Angeles) openly said that Kerry was welcome to receive communion in the L.A. diocese.

[Alerter_]

7. Kerry should NOT take Communion from Mahony

under any circumstances. Tell Mahoney to shut the hell up, Kerry should go nowhere NEAR Mahony.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. I'm glad to hear this

my take on Jesus was that he was more inclusive rather than exclusive in His message.

[Not Me]

5. Specifically:

"No one who comes to me, shall I turn away."

[Philosophy]

3. Huh?

"Several conservative bishops, including Archbishop Raymond Burke of St. Louis and Bishop Michael Sheridan of Colorado Springs, Colo., said in a letter earlier this week said any Catholic who votes for a politician who backs abortion rights cannot receive Communion."

What are the priests gonna do, ask who you voted for before giving you the bread?

[Book Lover]

4. Bishops and Cardinals

are princes within their own kingdoms/dioceses. It's only natural that not every one of them agrees with the Conference's decision.

The hypocrisy of this really, really galls me: His Holiness has spoken so forcefully against the death penalty (even though he has made exceptions ) but the Conference can only manage to tar-and-feather politicians who support abortion. When I was growing up Roman Catholic, it was one whole ball of wax, people, no picking and choosing. When that SOB in Manhattan turns Giuliani away from the altar because of RG's support of the death penalty, then some of my faith in these men may be restored...

[Tansy_Gold]

6. The Church in AZ may be playing politics of its own

The Roman Catholic Church in Arizona, and especially in Phoenix, does not have a very good reputation. After cutting a deal with the Maricopa County Attorney to escape prosecution on charges that he covered up sex abuse by priests, Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien was convicted of killing a pedestrian in a hit and run accident. O'Brien repeatedly put himself above the law, pleaded for leniency, etc.

He was slapped on the wrist, forced to resign as bishop, and sentenced to a couple thousand hours of community service work. (Yeah, I know, isn't that what priests are supposed to be doing anyway?????) He later petitioned the court to have his commuting time to and from his home to the place where he has a hotline service counted toward his community service hours.

I think the Church in Arizona has probably lost more than it gained over the past few years and it's trying not to lose any more.

Personally, I have no respect for them whatsoever, but that's just me.


Tansy Gold