Bishops spar over Biden at conference
U.S. Catholic bishops voted Friday in favor of drafting new guidelines for Communion, a move that followed heated debate over whether President Biden should be disqualified from the sacrament over his support of abortion rights.
The final tally on the third day of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops was 168 votes in favor of creating the controversial document and 55 against.
During an impassioned debate before the vote, bishops sparred over Biden’s defense of abortion access.
“Our credibility is on the line,” San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone argued, according to The Washington Post. “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?” he asked.
Others expressed worry that linking the sacrament to Catholic politicians would turn the Eucharist into “a tool in vicious partisan turmoil.”
“It would be impossible to prevent its weaponization,” San Diego Archbishop Robert McElroy said.
Indiana Bishop Kevin Rhoades said a draft of the guidelines would be written only after further discussion, and even then it would be subject to possible amendments before it was put to a vote.
He said it would not mention anyone by name, including Biden, and would simply offer guidelines rather than imposing a mandatory national policy.
One place Biden would remain welcome to receive communion would be in Washington, where Cardinal Wilton Gregory (photo) has made it clear the president would not be turned away.
Biden has said he personally opposes abortion but respects the rights of people who feel differently.
The Vatican, meanwhile, has urged U.S. bishops to avoid taking any action aimed at blocking Biden’s access to Communion.
Asked about the bishops’ vote Friday, Biden answered vaguely during a White House event involving the COVID-19 pandemic.
“That’s a private matter, and I don’t think that’s going to happen,” he said without elaborating.