Canadian prime minister blames Communion controversy on ‘people who want to cause embarrassment’

July 15, 2009

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has blamed the controversy of his recent reception of Holy Communion on “people who want to cause embarrassment in religion and drive a wedge between Protestants and Catholics.”

“While I’m not theologically a Catholic, in my judgment, the Catholic Church is a critical bulwark of worldwide Christianity,” Harper added. “The Pope is an important moral and spiritual leader generally and for Christians generally, even though I’m not a Catholic.”

 

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Further information:

• Communion controversy not raised in Harper's papal meeting (Catholic Register)
• Archbishop says Canadian leader meant no disrespect by receiving Eucharist (CWN, Jul 10)