[Arthur McGowan]

Bishop Robert J. McManus, who will become fifth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Worcester on May 14, said the Vatican has issued no criteria that would exclude Catholic politicians from receiving Communion based on their public positions on so-called "life issues."

The bishop would admit that "the Vatican" issued the Code of Canon Law, wouldn't he? And doesn't Canon 915 say that those who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin "are not to be admitted" to Holy Communion? I could be wrong, but that sure seems like a "criterion issued by the Vatican" to me!

[Coleus]

They're spineless and are afraid of their own shadows and the political fallout.