European bishops say they'd hesitate to deny politicians Communion

Published: 2004-04-22

ROME (CNS) -- Several European bishops said they would be very hesitant to announce publicly that a Catholic politician could not receive the Eucharist because of a political stand, even in favor of legalized abortion. In telephone interviews they cited a number of reasons, including a reluctance to "stigmatize" individual Catholics and a reluctance to use the Eucharist as a sanction for a political position. The issue was heating up in the United States with regard to Massachusetts Sen. John F. Kerry, the probable Democratic candidate for president, who supports legal abortion. European bishops and a pro-life activist contacted by Catholic News Service said that while some Catholic politicians on the continent have supported legislation opposed by the church they could not recall a politician being denied Communion. Most of the bishops and observers said a complex web of practical and pastoral considerations would lead them to shy away from such a ban.

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