Archbishop to dissenting politicians: Stop receiving Communion

Published: 2004-05-05

NEWARK, N.J. (CNS) -- Catholic politicians who dissent from fundamental church teachings in their public policy stands should be honest about the fact that they are not in full union with the church and should stop receiving Communion, said Archbishop John J. Myers of Newark, N.J. "Receiving the Eucharist ... means that one is in fact in full communion with Christ and his church," the archbishop said in a pastoral statement published May 5 in The Catholic Advocate, his archdiocesan newspaper. "To receive Communion when one has, through public or private action, separated oneself from unity with Christ and his church, is objectively dishonest." Archbishop Myers did not name any politicians, but his statement followed several weeks of national controversy over the church status of Catholic politicians such as Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry. The presumptive Democratic candidate for this fall's presidential election, Kerry holds positions contrary to the church's on issues such as abortion and fetal stem-cell research. A number of New Jersey public officials who are Catholic hold similar positions contrary to church teaching.

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