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Reply to a question, and editorial
Q: Should an ordinary or extraordinary minister of Holy Communion refuse communion to a pro-abortion politician?
A: Let's go in steps.
1. Let's start defining terms. A pro-abortion politician is anyone who has or runs for public office and has publicly pronounced a position on abortion like one of these that follow and has not changed their position: 1. I'm personally against abortion but I don't impose my view on others; 2. We aren't going to set the clock back on the abortion issue; 3. A woman should have a right to choose; 4. No one, in matters of abortion, should tell a woman what to do, much less as regards her pregnancy; 5. I'm against "anti-abortionists"; etc.
2. Canon Law is sufficiently clear on the issue (English tr. my own): Can. 915: Ad sacram communionem ne admittantur excommunicati et interdicti post irrogationem vel declarationem poenae alique in manifesto gravi peccato obstinate perseverantes. [Tr.] Those who have been excommunicated or interdicted, after the imposition or declaration of the punishment [or penalty], should not be admitted to holy communion, and others who persevere obstinately in manifest grave sin.
This is different from the question of whether a person should personally and privately decide to refrain from communion because they find that they are not disposed and in a state of grace. (Can. 916)
To disobey this law is matter of the fourth commandment.
3. Furthermore, Cardinal Ratzinger has clearly explained why this canon applies in the case of pro-abortion polititians. (Click here).
4. Finally, I know there was a symposium about this at Ave Maria Law School. Click here to read their acts. |