Communion for pro-abortion politicians shouldn’t be refused, says Cardinal McCarrick

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Washington D.C., Oct 12, 2007 / 10:28 am (CNA).- Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the retired archbishop of Washington D.C. has recommended that the Catholic Church forcefully preach the pro-life message to presidential candidates rather than following Archbishop Burke’s suggestion of denying them Communion.

This comes after Archbishop Raymond Burke of St. Louis stated that he would refuse communion to those in grave sin, especially political leaders, as it is the moral duty of the Eucharistic minister “to respect the holiness of the Sacrament, to safeguard the salvation of the soul of the party presenting himself to receive Holy Communion, and to avoid scandal.”

McCarrick disagreed, telling the AP, that while he “very much respect[s] his position,” he would rather work to persuade politicians to consider a pro-life view.

This isn’t the first time the cardinal and archbishop have disagreed over this issue. In 2004, two years before his retirement, then Archbishop McCarrick stated his opposition to pro-abortion politicians receiving communion, but that he would not be “comfortable” refusing them.

This caused Cardinal Ratzinger to weigh in on the issue, who cited the Catholic Church’s Canon Law number 915 that says, “Those who have been excommunicated or interdicted after the imposition or declaration of the penalty and others obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to holy communion.”

McCarrick also commented on the leading candidates for the major parties, particularly noting that no candidate falls completely in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Catholics are left to their own consciences to make the right choice, and while abortion, euthanasia and the death penalty are important teachings, they do not encompass all Catholic beliefs.

"You cannot be authentically Catholic if you do not support life, yet it is not enough just to support life, you have to go beyond that," Cardinal McCarrick said. "To really be authentically Catholic, you need it and the family rights, the right to education, the right to take care of the poor, the right of migrants."

McCarrick, 77, stepped down from the Archdiocese of Washington D.C. last year, but he is still active in promoting certain church issues and as a member of the College of Cardinals.

Comments: 8

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Theresa
CA 02/15/2009 04:42 PM EST

I agree wholeheartedly with DK in PA comment. God bless you.

Published by: Lawrence Brooks
Denver, Colorado 10/15/2007 12:34 AM EST

I thought that giveing Holy Communion to someone you have every reason to believe is a public sinner was a sacralige. I thought priests were to safe guard the Blessed Sacrament. Now I wonder if the Pope can revoke the title and privileges of a Cardinal?

Published by: Dan in Calgary
Calgary Alberta Canada 10/14/2007 10:17 PM EST

This debate between two senior clerics is only the tip of the iceberg.

Abortion is a simple question on which there is only one answer. Yet, Catholic opposition has been embarrassingly ineffective.

Where are the rank and file Catholics at local, state and national political meetings? Where are they at elections? When will they be heard in the political process on this?

I will postulate where they are.

In their rightful concern for the poor, for immigrants, for victims of discrimination, etc., many Catholics have allowed themselves to be co-opted by the Secular Left of American politics. It has been an ally of sorts in addressing poverty (but not without corrupting the concept of "social justice"). But, the Secular Left also diverts Catholics away from other priorities - including defense of marriage, the rights of the unborn, and other important principals supporting life.

Our bishops have often been heard to say (quite rightly) that "no political group can claim to encompass the Catholic view on all matters."

These days, Catholics seem reluctant to put at risk these alliances with the Secular Left and perceived progress on "social justice". But, corruption of Catholic faith with Marxist-Leninism aside, we must pursue a Catholic brand of "social justice" that addresses all Catholic priorities and not ally ourselves with these same Secular Leftists even as they celebrate each and every abortion and same-sex marriage.

God help us all.

Dan in Calgary

Published by: Adrien
Denton, TX 10/12/2007 07:27 PM EST

Just a point of correction, Cardinal McCarrick became a cardinal in 2001. The article implies that he was just an Archbishop in 2004.

Published by: Maryanne Linkes
Pgh, PA USA 10/12/2007 01:49 PM EST

We must pray for AB McCarrick. I am not sure if he was poorly catechized or thinks the Church is a democracy whereby we can each choose our own beliefs. I am in agreement that we need to teach the truths of our faith, but if one chooses not to abide by them, they must not be allowed to commit a sacrilege and disrespect our Lord. Unfortunately he was never orthodox and faithful to the truths of the Catholic church in his teachings. Perhaps we should pray that he will read the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I pray daily for him and all the Shepherds who do not properly lead their sheep. If they allow their children to sin, they are also sinning. How sad our Lord must be. To allow someone to receive the Body and Blood of Christ when they are knowingly sinning. We must all pray and make reparation to our Lord.

Published by: Jack
USA 10/12/2007 01:09 PM EST

If a politician is in support of abortion, which is murder, then, he/she should not be allowed to receievd communion until he/she changes his or her heart and confesses.

Published by: Marty
Colorado 10/12/2007 12:05 PM EST

Published by: DK
PA 10/12/2007 11:55 AM EST

My answer to McCarrick is: "No way!" Refuse Communion to these people. They enforce evil in public, then they don't deserve the Body and Blood of Christ. They are not free of mortal sin if they endorse murder publically.

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