[Bishop] Egan Under Fire Over Plan to Deny Communion to Dissenting MPs [UK]

The Tablet (UK) ^ | 3/21/14 | James Macintyre

[marshmallow]

The Bishop of Portsmouth has provoked criticism from Catholic MPs after saying that politicians who voted for same-sex marriage should be denied Communion.

Bishop Philip Egan said that instead of being punitive, the denial of communion is “always an act of mercy” with the hope that individuals can be brought “back into full communion with the Church”.

Labour and Conservative MPs, some of whom opposed same-sex marriage, reacted angrily, telling The Tablet that the bishop’s intervention was “a tragedy” and that ordinary Catholics would be “appalled”.

In an interview with the pro-life website LifeSiteNews, Bishop Egan said: “When people are not in communion with the Catholic Church … in terms of the teachings of the Church on marriage and family life – they are voting in favour of same-sex marriage – then they shouldn’t be receiving Holy Communion.”

Of politicians in his own diocese who backed same-sex marriage, he said: “I personally would be in favour of saying that somebody should not be receiving communion.”

However, he added that he would “have to act really with the other members of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales” and he called for his confreres to debate the issue. A spokesman for the Bishops’ Conference said there were “no plans” for the bishops to discuss the proposal at their next meeting.

[sr4402]

Just standing aside as Catholic politicians promote Homosexuality and Abortion is to promote these abominations. Communion needs to be denied and if the politician refuses to repent - Excommunication is in order.

Laxness = Condoning

[Ann Archy]

GO BISHOP!!!

[Da Coyote]

The bishop has cojones.

Liberals - pretty much a universal rule - do not.

[Arthur McGowan]

http://www.all.org/article/index/id/MTM1OTA/

Even Bishop Egan doesn’t quite get it. This is NOT something that he has the OPTION of doing. He HAS NO CHOICE. Giving Communion to these politicians is a MORTAL SIN. It is totally, absolutely forbidden by the moral law and by canon law.

[Brian Kopp DPM]

Absolutely correct.

However, he added that he would “have to act really with the other members of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales”

Nonsense. The bishops' conferences have no canonical authority whatsoever in this regard. The local bishop must apply Canon 915 regardless of whether his brother bishops are apostates. And they won't be there to plead your case at judgement, bishop. You alone are responsible for what goes on in your diocese.

[Arthur McGowan]

Busy, successful men are too busy to think. Their minds run in well-worn grooves. Even Bishop Egan doesnt’ seem to understand that Denial of Communion is not a penalty. It is not just a good thing to do, or a loving thing to do. It is MANDATORY. NOT doing it is a MORTAL SIN.

Even though his heart is obviously in the right place, he doesn’t seem to get what this issue is really about.

[Arthur McGowan]

Canon 915 cannot be “applied” or “not applied.” It can only be obeyed or disobeyed.

[Salvation]

Keep your spine Bishop Egan.

[Loyalist]

Coming up next: the first lawsuits and legislation to force the Church to give Communion to open and notorious dissenters from her teachings.

Judges and legislators who consider themselves empowered to rewrite the natural law of marriage will not blanch at defining who may receive the sacraments.

[Jeff Chandler]

“I think it is a great pity, indeed a tragedy, that this bishop appears not to have noticed that we have a new gentle shepherd preaching a Christ-like message of inclusivity, love tolerance and forgiveness. I look to the guidance of the Holy Father Pope Francis,” said Mr Burns.

There ya go.

[piusv]

I think it is a great pity, indeed a tragedy, that this bishop appears not to have noticed that we have a new gentle shepherd preaching a Christ-like message of inclusivity, love tolerance and forgiveness. I look to the guidance of the Holy Father Pope Francis,” said Mr Burns.

::groan::