Archbishop Cupich speaks on Holy Communion for pro-abortion politicians
December 02, 2014
During an appearance on the television news show Face the Nation, Archbishop Blase Cupich of Chicago appeared to say that he would allow the reception of Holy Communion by pro-abortion politicians. However the archbishop's words left his message uncertain.
Asked, “You haven't been particularly confrontational with politicians who disagree with you on issues like abortion, for instance. Do you think the Eucharist has become too politicized?”, he replied:
Well, I think that is important always to begin with an attitude of dialogue. It's important to listen to people and it's very hard to have dialogue because in order for someone to tell you why they think you are wrong, you have to sit in patience to allow that to happen. The community -- as I say, cannot be the place where those discussions are fought, but rather we have to look at how we're going to deal with the tough issues of the day in a constructive way and as adults who respect each other.
The prelate was then asked, “So, when you say we cannot politicize the Communion rail, you would give Communion to politicians, for instance, who support abortion rights?” He replied:
I would not use the Eucharist or as they call it the Communion rail as the place to have those discussions or way in which people would be either excluded from the life of the Church. The Eucharist is an opportunity of grace and conversion. It's also a time of forgiveness of sins. So my hope would be that that grace would be instrumental in bringing people to the truth.
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Posted by: bernie4871 -
Dec. 03, 2014 11:49 AM ET USA
Are Bishops supposed to confirm us in the Faith or in ambivalence? Can any 'prudential' judgment about abortion (to understand this Bishop's view in the best light) qualify for a confirmation in the Faith? So many millions of aborted children must stand in God's presence and shake their heads in dismay. The worst possible retaliation for speaking and acting in the Truth means nothing. I am sick to death of our "uncertain buglers". He will spew the lukewarm out of His mouth.
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Posted by: unum -
Dec. 02, 2014 8:14 PM ET USA
... and the clear message from the new Archbishop to his flock in Chicago is? It sounds like the Archbishop believes the message he is sending to the faithful (the community) is unimportant. The laity can just be confused about Church teaching while he and politicians "deal with the tough issues of the day in a constructive way and as adults who respect each other." Where does the Vatican get these guys?
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Posted by: Defender -
Dec. 02, 2014 12:13 PM ET USA
I don't think anyone need be surprised. Has there ever been even one bishop, in recent memory at least, who has imposed canon law (915) on any "Catholic" politician? It's not as if they have to abide by it, do they?
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Posted by: Minnesota Mary -
Dec. 02, 2014 12:08 PM ET USA
Another "Artful Dodger."
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Posted by: Frodo1945 -
Dec. 02, 2014 11:51 AM ET USA
what obscuration is this? uh, let your yes be yes and your no be no.
