Future Irish primate says he will not deny Communion to pro-abortion Catholic politicians
August 21, 2013
The future Primate of All Ireland has indicated that he would not deny Communion to Catholic politicians who support legal abortion.
Archbishop Eamon Martin, who was installed in April as coadjutor of the Armagh archdiocese, told a Radio Ulster audience that support for legal abortion is incompatible with the Catholic faith. However, he said that he had never denied Communion to anyone and did not anticipate doing so in the future.
Archbishop Martin will become head of the Armagh archdiocese, and thus successor to St. Patrick, upon the retirement of Cardinal Sean Brady. Cardinal Brady will mark his 75th birthday next year, but may announce his retirement before that time.
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Further information:
- Archbishop won’t deny communion to Irish pols over abortion bill (RNS)
- No Irish government minister at installation of future Catholic primate (CWN, 4/22)
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Posted by: williiam ronner -
Aug. 22, 2013 10:39 AM ET USA
Well, the killing continues with the passive acceptance of another descendant of the apostles.
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Posted by: dover beachcomber -
Aug. 21, 2013 7:16 PM ET USA
Interesting that persisting in manifest grave sin won't get you barred from Holy Communion, but wishing to receive on the tongue, or kneeling, will get you a stern lecture right on the spot.
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Posted by: TheJournalist64 -
Aug. 21, 2013 6:15 PM ET USA
We are losing the sense of public sin. I suppose if Adolf Hitler, baptized Catholic but never practicing, would have presented himself for communion without public contrition, he would be eligible in many clerical eyes to receive the Blessed Eucharist? Sorry for the reduction ad absurdam, but is it not relevant?
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Posted by: florentine -
Aug. 21, 2013 5:46 PM ET USA
This very issue ... prelates failing to uphold the teachings of Christ and His Church ... being so "magnanimous" that they no longer know or teach what it means to be Christian in word and deed. Very sad to watch this "slow boil" continue, without correction, undermining the role and credibility of the Catholic Church as ardent and loving protector of the Body & Blood of Christ.
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Posted by: mcomstoc6740 -
Aug. 21, 2013 5:38 PM ET USA
Does he not think that he is bound by Canon Law?
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Posted by: thomas.friel9910 -
Aug. 21, 2013 5:25 PM ET USA
Just wondering will the new archbishop deny communion to abortion performing doctors?
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Posted by: jg23753479 -
Aug. 21, 2013 1:28 PM ET USA
An unbiased observer anywhere, not just in Ireland, might legitimately wonder about our prelates' understanding of the Eucharist and of the idea of sacrilege. How can it be that so few commit serious sins nowadays? Hardly anyone goes to Confession but few Catholics refrain from taking Communion every Sunday. The problem is bigger, much bigger in fact, than unfaithful Catholic pols. Most Catholics no longer truly believe in the Real Presence by evidence I see. Is the same true of our prelates?
