Catholic Bishops and Communion
by John T. Plecnik

In August three Roman Catholic bishops issued a statement entitled: Worthy to Receive the Lamb: Catholics in Political Life and the Reception of Holy Communion." The message: consistent support of pro-abortion legislation is a grave sin from which public officials must recant before receiving Holy Communion.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops asserts that "killing an unborn child is always intrinsically evil," and warns that pro-abortion politicians risk "cooperating in evil." However, the conference defers to the prudential judgment of each bishop in deciding whether to deny anyone Communion. As famous Catholics continue to flaunt the "culture of life," more bishops are considering their most extreme option.

The co-authors of "Worthy to Receive the Lamb," are Archbishop John F. Donoghue of Atlanta, Bishop Robert J. Baker of Charleston, S.C, and Bishop Peter J. Jugis of Charlotte. The three Southeastern bishops have declared a commitment to enforcing the faith within their dioceses.

Bishop Jugis is the youngest of the three and received his station earlier this year. Formerly my pastor at Queen of the Apostles church, Bishop Jugis' decision did not surprise me. One of his first acts as Bishop was to preside over the sacrament of Confirmation at Queen of the Apostles. Before administering the sacrament to my younger siblings, Katherine and Stephen, the Bishop gave an unforgettable homily. He preached that Catholics cannot check their faith at the door. He insisted that one cannot befriend the world and Christ simultaneously.

As Bishop Jugis argued for the sanctity of life and marriage, several parishioners began to grimace. Many pro-abortionists simply choose to ignore the teaching of their faith. Last presidential election, more Catholics voted Democrat than Republican. This time around, U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, a Catholic, is counting on heavy support from the "faithful."

Unfortunately for the Catholic senator, the Church leaders are beginning to grumble. Archbishop Raymond Burke of St. Louis is not alone anymore. Many Catholic Bishops have grown weary of Kerry and company claiming to be Catholic but not adhering to its doctrines. They are tired of explaining how famous, Catholic Democrats are wrong on abortion. As politics and faith finally interact, millions of Catholics are being reminded to validate their consciences.

Catholic Republicans in North Carolina applauded the three bishops' determination. U.S. Rep. Walter Jones (NC-3) strongly supported their decision. Congressional candidate Patrick McHenry (NC-10) concurred. "Abortion is murder," said McHenry. "I believe we must meet the obligations of our faith in public life."

North Carolina Democrats were not so happy. N.C. Gov. Mike Easley remained supportive of Roe v. Wade, despite his Catholic faith. But he is a communicant in the diocese of Raleigh where the new ruling has no effect. Pro-"choice" Catholics argue that it is hypocritical to single out abortion as the litmus test for Communion. They argue that issues of capital punishment or treatment of the poor are at least as significant to their faith.

The reason is, abortion is the killing of an innocent life. Catholics respect the sanctity of life from the moment of conception until death. Others laud the freedom of women to terminate their unborn children, on demand. Prominent politicians like Sen. Kerry will be forced to choose: Am I a good Catholic, or a good liberal?

John T. Plecnik is a twenty-year-old law student at Duke University and Executive Editor of The Devil's Advocate. As Policy Advisor for the Duke Chapter, John authored the first-ever statewide platform for the North Carolina Federation of College Republicans.