The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops voted to create draft guidelines on the meaning of Communion that could eventually bar people who express support for abortion from receiving the Eucharist.
The proposal to draft the guidelines passed a 168-55 vote on Friday during an annual spring meeting of the conference, held virtually this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Bishops engaged in discussion on whether to include a statement on the church’s teaching on abortion in the guidelines for receiving Communion.
“The eyes of the whole country are on us. If we don't act courageously, clearly and convincingly on this core Catholic value, how can we expect to be taken seriously on another matter?” San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone said in comments reported by the Washington Post.
San Diego Archbishop Robert McElroy said the proposal could turn reception of the Eucharist into a partisan activity.
“The Eucharist itself will be a tool in vicious partisan turmoil. It will be impossible to prevent its weaponization, even if everyone wants to do so,” McElroy said. “Once we legitimize public-policy-based exclusion…we'll invite all political animosity into the heart of the Eucharistic celebration.”
The idea to produce a document was first developed by a working group commissioned by Conference of Catholic Bishops president José H. Gomez, the Archbishop of Los Angeles. Gomez formed the group following the election of President Biden and concerns of potential conflicts between Biden’s policies and church teaching.
The group recommended the establishment of a document outlining “Eucharistic coherence” for those receiving communion.
Biden, a supporter of abortion rights, attends Mass every Sunday.
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