No Communion for Pro-Abortion Catholic Politicians

(La Crosse, Wisconsin) Bishop Raymond L. Burke of the Diocese of La Crosse has issued a decree that priests must withhold Communion to Catholic lawmakers who support abortion or euthanasia.

"I just don't know where this will go, and, frankly, I'm shocked by it," said La Crosse Mayor John Medinger, who describes himself as an active Catholic.

"If they're going to tell Catholic politicians if they vote in a certain way, are they also going to say that Catholics have to vote for certain politicians or they can't receive the sacraments," he said. "I just think it's very dangerous ice they're walking on."

The mayor's comments might be an exaggeration, but one thing is sure, the bishop's decree is contentious and it will put a spotlight on Catholic lawmakers. And, according to Rose Hammes, communications director for the La Crosse Diocese, the decree is binding on priests.

My take is twofold. First, priests may or may not comply with the binding decree. Recent experience with pedophile and homosexual priests indicates that they frequently ignore the edicts of the church.

Secondly, the Catholic Church historically has not been forceful when some terrible events transpired in society (the Holocaust is an example). I view it as positive that they are taking a strong public position. There is no possible benefit if the church has no effective voice.