New Jersey governor had come under fire for receiving Communion

Published: 2004-08-13

TRENTON, N.J. (CNS) -- Before his Aug. 12 announcement that he had had an extramarital affair with a man and would resign from office, New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey had faced a series of scandals and controversies in office, including disagreements with the Catholic Church. In May, after several New Jersey bishops said politicians who disagree with the church's teaching on right-to-life issues should not receive Communion, McGreevey, a Catholic and a Democrat, said he would no longer receive Communion at public Masses. Bishop Joseph A. Galante, the new bishop of Camden, said McGreevey would not be welcome to receive Communion if he attended the bishop's installation ceremony April 30. Bishop Galante explained that his decision was based on his understanding that McGreevey married his wife, Dina, without obtaining an annulment of his first marriage, as well as on the governor's support for legal abortion, fetal stem-cell research and domestic partnerships. McGreevey did not attend the installation. In his startling Aug. 12 speech, McGreevey said he had struggled with his sexual identity since his youth, but thought he was doing the right thing by pursuing a traditional family life, marrying twice, and having two daughters, one with each wife. His resignation takes effect Nov. 15.

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