Archbishop Levada asks synod members about politicians, Communion

Published: 2005-10-04

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Archbishop William J. Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, asked members of the Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist to discuss how they deal with Catholic politicians who want to receive Communion, but do not vote in full accordance with Catholic teaching. The former archbishop of San Francisco, taking advantage of an hour of "free discussion" at the synod Oct. 3, said the issue had "caused some divisions" among U.S. Catholics during the 2004 presidential elections, and he hoped to hear how other bishops would approach the problem. Archbishop Levada quoted from the synod's working document, which said, "Some Catholics do not understand why it might be a sin to support a political candidate who is openly in favor of abortion or other serious acts against life, justice and peace." Given the tension that arose as different U.S. bishops chose different ways to deal with the issue, including publicly announcing they would deny Communion to some Catholic politicians, Archbishop Levada said, "Let's hear the experiences of synod fathers from other countries."

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