Back in 2004, we all remember certain Catholic priests and bishops threatening to deny communion to John Kerry should he dare enter their church. As a Catholic, I was offended by that because it seemed to be anti-Christian. I think we Christians often forget who we are supposed to be following (i.e. Jesus Christ). Would Jesus deny communion in such a fashion? No. He would want to talk to the supposed transgressor about the issues that seek to divide us. Well, at least I think so.
Anyway, that is why I am very encouraged by the words of Incoming Bishop W. Francis Malooly of the Diocese of Wilmington.
From WDEL (by way of the Catholic magazine “Dialog”):
DIALOG: “Regarding the candidates themselves, the reception of communion by Catholic candidates who support abortion rights remains an issue, one that has received added attention recently with the selection of Delaware Sen. Joseph Biden as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee. Some American bishops have had public confrontations but most still seem to handle the issue by talking to the candidate privately.”
Bishop Malooly: “I look forward to the opportunity to enter into a dialogue on a number of issues with Sen. Biden and other Catholic leaders in the Diocese of Wilmington. However, I do not intend to get drawn into partisan politics nor do I intend to politicize the Eucharist as a way of communicating Catholic Church teaching. It is critical to keep the lines of communication open if the church is going to make her teachings understood and, please God, accepted. It is my belief that Catholics of all occupations have the same duty to examine their own consciences before determining their own worthiness for the reception of communion.
I think I will get a lot more mileage out of a conversation trying to change the mind and heart than I would out of a public confrontation. That might not make some people happy who feel there ought to be a confrontation but I have to follow my own conscience and try to do what I can for the long term.”