Gov. James E. McGreevey said yesterday he respectfully disagrees with Newark Archbishop John J. Myers but he will honor the bishop’s request and not receive Communion in public, reported the Associated Press.

The pro-abortion governor was responding to a statement, issued by the archbishop earlier yesterday, which said abortion rights supporters should not seek Communion when they attend mass.

The governor refused to say if he would receive the sacrament from a priest in private, calling that a personal decision.

McGreevey said he is committed to both his Catholic faith and his pro-abortion stance and believes strongly in the separation of church and state.