Denver, Colo., Jun 17, 2004 / 22:00 pm
As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is winding up their spring meeting in Denver, a statement on Communion and Catholic public figures is expected today.
At issue is the interpretation and application in the US dioceses of Canon 915 of the Code of Canon Law, which reads: “those who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion.”
Archbishop Raymond Burke of St. Louis said on Thursday that despite “a difference of opinion” he expects the statement on Communion and Catholic politicians will come today from the nation's bishops.
Last November, Archbishop Burke, while still bishop of La Crosse, Wis., notified his diocese that Catholic politicians who support abortion “are not to be admitted to Holy Communion . . . until such time as they publicly renounce their support of these most unjust practices.”