Sebelius and Communion

After reading the letters (5/14) concerning Archbishop Naumann’s decision to deny Communion to Gov. Sebelius, I am convinced that a crucial distinction is being overlooked.

While the Catholic Church does not endorse candidates, it certainly does advocate for the enactment of specific legislation and policy goals, particularly through the work of state Catholic conferences. It should be of no surprise to anyone that the Kansas Catholic Conference favors abortion restrictions.

The distinction to be made is that while Gov. Sebelius was not denied Communion when she merely advocated for abortion rights in general, she was denied Communion when she vetoed a bill that was an integral part of the Kansas Catholic Conference’s legislative agenda.

One does not have to agree with this agenda to understand how a church leader should feel empowered to advocate for the core positions for which his church stands.

William J. Thomas
Kansas City, Kan.

The Catholic Church has a legal and moral right to define its own theology. But to be theologically consistent, the church needs to refuse to serve Communion to all members who support choice. (Don’t hold your breath until that happens.)

Refusing to serve only opposing politicians is a political act and violates the Church’s tax-exempt status.

Dennis Maack
Overland Park

Comments

[kcstar_is_one_sided]

Yours_is _nothing_but BS.

Thanks for that great philosophical comment. You are indeed truly deep in your views.

While you are on the earth and in a religious organization that you claim to follow and you do things contrary to that organization, then I guess you have to answer to that organization. If you don't like the teachings, don't pretend that you do every Sunday. Sounds pretty straight forward to me. Who's the one with integrity issues here? (I'll give you a clue, because you are clueless, it the Governor)

[YourBSSucks]

KC Lop-Sided - "There is personal responsibility with your actions."

Yes there is but neither the priest, bishop, cardinal or Pope is the one you have to answer to for you actions and decisions. That will be determined by whomever you believe to be your supreme being, should you have one.

[kcstar_is_one_sided]

There's old Jim and jack, spinning as usual.

Catholic politicians can vote any way they want, the bishop is not telling them how to vote. But he is telling them that they are not acting as catholics and should not take a sacrament, which is his right to do. Frankly, this should have been done to Ted Kennedy years ago.

I know this is a very hard concept for libs like Jim and jack, but you can't have it both ways. There is personal responsibility with your actions.

[Jim]

Apparently the body of Christ is a registered Republican. Who knew?

[jack]

Separation of church and state? Who needs that? The bishop should be able to call up any and all catholic politicians and order them to vote any way he wants, shouldn't he? After all, he knows what God wants!