America magazine highlights debate over politics and Communion

Published: 2004-06-14

NEW YORK (CNS) -- In its June 21-28 issue, the Catholic magazine America focused on the debate over withholding Communion from politicians who regularly vote against any abortion restrictions. It featured three articles from different perspectives. Archbishop Raymond L. Burke of St. Louis argued that a bishop is simply living up to his responsibilities if he denies Communion to a Catholic politician who "has publicly violated the moral law in a grave matter" but does not recognize on his own that he does not have "the proper disposition to receive Communion." Father John P. Beal, an associate professor of canon law at The Catholic University of America in Washington, argued that the church law provision at issue -- Canon 915's declaration that Catholics "obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to holy Communion" -- must be interpreted strictly, meaning that all elements must be clearly present before Communion can be denied. In the third article, "Caught Between God and Caesar," Joseph A. Califano Jr., President Lyndon B. Johnson's top aide for domestic affairs and President Jimmy Carter's secretary for health, education and welfare, reinforced Father Beal's argument with stories of conflicts he faced trying to balance his Catholic moral convictions with the demands of setting or carrying out public policy.

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