Pro-choice politicians take Communion

The Washington Times ^ | 5-9-08 | Julia Duin

[JZelle]

Despite a 2004 order from the future Pope Benedict XVI barring pro-choice Catholic politicians from the Communion table, a quintet of elected officials flouted his wishes twice during his recent six-day visit here by partaking of the sacrament right before his eyes.

The bishops whose job it is to enforce the pope's wishes have been all over the map in responding. While New York Cardinal Edward Egan publicly chastised former New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani for taking Communion during an April 19 Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral, the bishops of Washington, Boston and Norwalk, Conn., have not disciplined members of their flock who partook April 17 at Nationals Park.

In fact, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, a liberal Massachusetts Democrat, got a personalized delivery of Communion, said Dan Skehan, a businessman from Lancaster, Pa., who sat in Section 216 directly above the senator.

Minutes before the rest of the enormous crowd lined up to receive the sacrament, Mr. Skehan and his two sons spotted a priest making his way down the steps to the senator to hand him the consecrated host.

"It was obviously prearranged," Mr. Skehan said, "maybe out of regard for his girth and lack of mobility. I turned immediately to both my sons and said, 'Oh my gosh, look at that.' Everyone in my section, which was filled with people from Lancaster, said, 'That is outrageous. How could they do that?'"

[elpadre]

and my gripe remains: why has the one Republican been chastised, while the Democrat backsliders given a free ride. I know it is a bishop by bishop matter, however it sure has all the appearances of favoring one party.

[RedCobra]

Nothing is sacred, not even the holiest of Sacraments. Communion as a photo-op, basically is what it is, but they’re eating and drinking damnation upon their souls as a consequence.

[RedCobra]

By their fruits you will know them...”special delivery” communion for that pig Ted Kennedy. What a mockery...they won’t escape this.

[workerbee]

I understand your sentiments, but this goes far deeper than "support for illegals." These clergy are not just making statements of social conscience, however ill-advised, they are deliberately and willfully ignorning Church doctrine and papal authority -- and thereby teaching their congregations that mortal sin is no impediment to receiving communion.

[neverdem]

bump & a ping

[cpforlife.org]

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