On Catholics and sin

In certain dioceses, Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden cannot receive communion. The teachings of Christ were and are still important to me, but I too have so many problems with being a Catholic. In vitro fertilization is out, masturbation is a mortal sin, condoms and birth control pills to prevent pregnancy are a sin, to use stem cells to prolong life and treat cystic fibrosis/ diabetes/sickle cell/etc., is also sinful, to allow a morning-after pill after rape/incest is also a mortal sin, to have sex for any other reason other than procreation is a sin, vasectomies are a sin, etc.

For these reasons I feel I am no longer a Catholic, at least not a “good Catholic.”

I have always admired the priests that have given up so much to spread their faith. Unfortunately, there are some and maybe many that are not “good priests.” The rigidity of the Catholic Church is the reason it is losing members. The human race was meant to evolve and reason, not necessarily listen to archaic rules written by a group of old men (no women allowed) in robes who are in power because of their theoretical celibacy.

There are many practicing Catholics in our government, like French Hill. He’s allowed to take communion, but it seems is pro-gun/anti-reasonable gun control like so many Republicans. AR-15-type guns are rampant in this country. Police look like and act like they are at war with our citizens, and if they don’t, they are gunned down by better-armed criminals. Boston-type massacres are becoming commonplace across the country.

If you think any of the above is sinful and communion should be withheld, please quit being hypocritical. Jesus said, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”

ANDY CONNAUGHTON Vilonia