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This actually is quite an interesting problem, and giving communion to Kerry may be more problematic than these bishops suppose.

I'm married to a Roman Catholic, and we go to a Catholic Church.

I don't receive communion, because I'm asked not to (as you all know).

Now, the usual explanation of WHY I'm asked not to is that "we don't share a common faith", and there are various elaborations of this view that are familiar to all.

But what about the fact that I share more, FAR more, in faith than Kerry does with his bishop and the teaching magisterium? It does not seem reasonable that Kerry's (presumably false) profession of "being a Catholic" (whatever he means by that) should count for more than the faith of all other Christians not in communion with Rome but who profess the Creed and who believe in the real presence.

Is it Cardinal George's view that it doesn't matter what you believe, or what you do as long as you call yourself a Catholic?

Would George say, "Well, he's an athiest, but at least he's a Catholic athiest"?

But what about the fact that I share more, FAR more, in faith than Kerry does with his bishop and the teaching magisterium?

I suspect the Cardinal's answer would be that God might hold Kerry far more accountable for receiving Communion than he would you.

But what about the fact that I share more, FAR more, in faith than Kerry does with his bishop and the teaching magisterium? It does not seem reasonable that Kerry's (presumably false) profession of "being a Catholic" (whatever he means by that) should count for more than the faith of all other Christians not in communion with Rome but who profess the Creed and who believe in the real presence. Is it Cardinal George's view that it doesn't matter what you believe, or what you do as long as you call yourself a Catholic? 9 posted on 04/10/2004 9:20:14 AM PDT by Jim Noble

Kerry receiving Communion while PROMOTING the culture of death is absurd. But...what's stopping you from becoming a Catholic? (just curious)

This is a travesty indded.

Qerry should be excommunicated.