Man criticizes bishop for stance on Communion for pro-abortion politicians

Sep 13, 2004 / 22:00 pm

A university professor assailed Bishop Richard Joseph Malone of Maine with words of criticism at an anti-abortion luncheon Saturday, for not refusing Communion to pro-abortion politicians.

Terence J. Hughes told the bishop before a crowd of 100 at the 30th annual Pro-Life Education Association awards luncheon, that priests should not give Communion to politicians who support abortion, reported The Associated Press.

The University of Maine professor criticized the bishop for telling the audience that opposition to abortion was one of the most important issues for Catholics, but for saying earlier this year that he would continue to give Communion to politicians who support abortion.

"The action you took is in direct contrast to the words you share with us today," Hughes said, yelling at the bishop from one end of the convention room. "I am not going to dishonor my Lord, Jesus Christ, by giving Communion to politicians whose policies cater to (those in favor of) killing babies."

Bishop Malone said he would rather try to convince Catholic politicians to change their opinions than push them away from the Church by denying them Communion.

The bishop also said anti-abortion Catholics first have to win over parishioners who support the procedure before they take a hard-line approach with public officials. The bishop added that the Vatican supports his opinion.