Catholic bishops ponder rebuke of president
U.S. Catholic bishops overwhelmingly approved the drafting of a “teaching document” that many of them hope will rebuke Catholic politicians, including President Joe Biden, for receiving Communion despite their support for abortion rights.
The result of the vote – 168 in favor and 55 against – was announced Friday near the end of a virtual meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The bishops had cast their votes privately after impassioned debate.
Supporters of the measure said a strong rebuke of Biden was needed because of his recent actions protecting and expanding abortion access, while opponents warned that such action would portray the bishops as a partisan force during a time of bitter political division across the country.
As a result of the vote, the conference’s doctrine committee will draft a statement on the meaning of Communion in the life of the church that will be submitted for consideration at a future meeting, probably an in-person gathering in November.
Bishop Donald Hying of Madison, Wisconsin, said during debate that he speaks with many people who are confused by a Catholic president who advances “the most radical pro-abortion agenda in history,” and action from the bishops conference is needed.
Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego countered that the conference would suffer “destructive consequences” from a document targeting Catholic politicians. “It would be impossible to prevent the weaponization of the Eucharist,” McElroy said.
Biden, who attends Mass regularly, says he personally opposes abortion but doesn’t believe he should impose that position on Americans who feel otherwise.