Catholic World News
Archbishop Chaput: Biden should refrain from receiving Communion
August 25, 2008
This debate will continue until Election Day, at least. For today we give first place to the statement by Archbishop Charles Chaput, whose city is hosting the Democratic national convention. (And it's worth pointing out once again that the archbishop has not been invited to address the convention or even offer a benediction.)
Edward Peters, in his informative canon-law blog, accurately summarizes the questions that should be considered crucial in this debate:
whether certain of his public actions (chiefly legislative actions and public advocacy efforts) constitute obstinate perseverance in manifest grave sin. Answering those questions well will require (1) accurate assemblage of the facts (an area for which expert lay Catholic observers of American politics should be consulted), and (2) accurate inquiry into the requirements of Church law and moral teaching (an area for which bishops are chiefly responsible).
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Further information:
- AP wire story: Biden's Catholic faith offers risks, rewards; statement by Archbishop Chaput
- Boston Globe: Joe Biden's Catholic faith
- Lay group says choice of Biden re-opens Catholic wound
- Biden's pastor supportive, says he has never refused Communion
- Canonist encourages asking the right questions (In the Light of the Law)
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