From Archbishop Charles J. Chaput new book
Render Unto Caesar: Serving the Nation by Living Our Catholic Beliefs in Political Life (page 225):
The recurrent debates over denying Catholic politicians Communion are usually marked by ignorance about the church and disregard for the real nature of the Eucharist. Denying anyone Communion is a grave matter. It can never be ruled out as a course of action, but it should be reserved for serious cases of public scandal where it can actually make a difference.
I believe that public scandal is definitely what is in Matthew 18:4-7 where Jesus states that corruputing innocent children is so serious one should put a millstone about their neck and be thrown into the sea rather than do that.
Also, what Archbishop Chaput states is that denying the politicians will make a difference, i.e., might make them change their position on issues that are public scandal...
Just something I just ran across, and I felt that the combination of Matthew 18:4-7 and what Archbishop Chaput states is a better references.
Finally, I would add that the governor probably supports Euthanasia, homosexuality activities, homosexual unions, as well as abortion -- adding to the list of things that are public scandal...
Earlier this year, New York Cardinal Edward Egan said Rudy Giuliani should not have received Holy Communion during the pope's visit because the former New York City mayor supports abortion rights.
Communion and abortion rights also became an issue in 2004, when Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry, a Catholic, came under scrutiny for supporting abortion rights in conflict with church teaching.
Most bishops who have spoken about Communion and the responsibility of Catholic politicians have done so in general terms without naming names.
That's been the case in Oregon, where Vlazny has, without naming any specific politicians, said that Catholic officeholders who disagree with church teachings should refrain from receiving Communion.
The archbishop hasn't refused Kulongoski permission to receive communion, archdiocese spokesman Bud Bunce said.
However, Vlazny today called abortion a "grave evil," and urged Catholics to contact Kulongoski's office about Friday's fundraiser "to remind him of the demands of personal integrity as a member of our faith community in the exercise of his office."