The following comes from a Mar. 21 story in the Tablet (U.K.).
The bishop of Portsmouth (U.K.) has provoked criticism from Catholic MPs after saying that politicians who voted for same-sex marriage should be denied Communion.
Bishop Philip Egan said that instead of being punitive, the denial of communion is “always an act of mercy” with the hope that individuals can be brought “back into full communion with the Church”.
Labour and Conservative MPs, some of whom opposed same-sex marriage, reacted angrily, telling The Tablet that the bishop’s intervention was “a tragedy” and that ordinary Catholics would be “appalled”.
In an interview with the pro-life website LifeSiteNews, Bishop Egan said: “When people are not in communion with the Catholic Church … in terms of the teachings of the Church on marriage and family life – they are voting in favour of same-sex marriage – then they shouldn’t be receiving Holy Communion.”
Of politicians in his own diocese who backed same-sex marriage, he said: “I personally would be in favour of saying that somebody should not be receiving communion.”
However, he added that he would “have to act really with the other members of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales” and he called for his confreres to debate the issue. A spokesman for the Bishops’ Conference said there were “no plans” for the bishops to discuss the proposal at their next meeting.
Forty-seven out of at least 82 Catholic MPs last year voted in favour of allowing same-sex marriage when the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill was passed in the House of Commons. The legislation was passed by 400 votes to 175.
To read the entire story, click here.
The good Bishop is 100% correct.
” The Discipline Regarding the Denial of Holy Communion to Those Obstinately Persevering in Manifest Grave Sin” – Raymond Burke (Cardinal)
https://www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/holycom/denial.htm
“Worthiness to Receive Holy Communion – General Principles” – Jospeh Ratzinger (Pope Benedict)
https://www.priestsforlife.org/magisterium/bishops/04-07ratzingerommunion.htm
Code of Canon Law:
” Can. 915 Those who have been excommunicated or interdicted after the imposition or declaration of the penalty and others obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to holy communion.”
and
” Can. 1399 In addition to the cases established here or in other laws, the external violation of a divine or canonical law can be punished by a just penalty only when the special gravity of the violation demands punishment and there is an urgent need to prevent or repair scandals.”
So when are all CA Bishops going to stop allowing those publically in the state of Mortal Sin from receiving Holy Communion?
When are US Bishops going to publically correct “Catholics” who give public scandal?
And most importantly when are US Bishops going to stop those who commit SACRILEGE against the Body and blood of our Lord – when they know of the public and continued sin?
What is wrong with most Bishops?
Pete,
Answer: The SIN of Pride!
May God have mercy on an amoral Amerika!
Viva Cristo Rey!
Yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher, Founding Director
Concerned Roman Catholics of America, Inc.
Finally a bishop with some intestinal fortitude! All bishops should be doing this, but then, all bishops should act like Christ. May God bless Bishop Egan.
Yes God bless Bishop Egan.
Father Karl,
I am surprised that you are missing something. After taking a strong verbal stance, he copts out like other “bishops” and defers to his brother “bishops” in SIN! Is that a true definition of “intestinal fortitude”? I don’t think so.
May God have mercy on an amoral Amerika!
Viva Cristo Rey!
Yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher, Founding Director
Concerned Roman Catholics of America, Inc.
You may wish to thank and encourage the bishop here:
bishop@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
Wonder when the last time Holy Communion was withheld from someone, especially a politician? Too wimpy and too afraid to make waves.
Meanwhile, Catholics leave due to their inaction.
Bishop Egan is following Canon Law. The bishops in the U.S. should try that. God bless Bishop Egan.
Is he not a shepherd to guide and protect the souls of his flock? Well done good and faithful servant. God Bless You
Standing for what is right and good, is NEVER popular. Those who are “appalled” are NOT in communion with Christ and HIS Church. We should be standing before God constantly, rendering our hearts and be truthful with ourselves. When one states “AMEN” to the Body of Christ, does one not only BELIEVE, but PRACTICE the what the Church reveals as true and good? Hence, homosexual marriages are an abomination and contrary to family life. That may never be approved by laws or condoned by society. May God have mercy upon us!
This poor Bishop does not need to ask that the Church support him, and his office should not be battered by ridiculous criticisms, to include criticisms by clergy and laymen of our Church! Instead, the Vatican, long ago, after Vatican II ended, should have issued world-wide orders, that the Code of Canon Law is to be enforced, as a matter of everyday operation of Church affairs!
” I COMMAND (not suggest) that for the future it is to have the force of law for the whole Latin Church, and I entrust it to the watchful care of all those concerned, in order that it may be observed.” – Pope John Paul II – “APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION
SACRAE DISCIPLINAE LEGES OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF POPE JOHN PAUL II FOR THE PROMULGATION OF THE NEW CODE OF CANON LAW” –
Jan 25, 1983.
https://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_25011983_sacrae-disciplinae-leges_en.html
Code of Canon Law –
https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/_INDEX.HTM
Disobedient Bishops are in violation of the Code of Canon Law. Their sins of PRIDE that they know more than the Church is egregious.
Those Bishops who are disobedient, by example teach disobedience.
They teach that anything is OK.
I know that Kathleen Sebelius has been told by her AB Nienstedt of Kanas City not to receive Our Lord! She herself stated this a year or so ago when being interviewd on t.v.
It is my understanding that where the politician resides (officially) that is the Bishop that must speak to the politician who is pro-abortion and receiving Our Good Lord in Holy Communion!
It is truly an act of mercy for the politician, the Bishop and all of the members of the body of Christ!!! How many have followed these politicians down the wrong path, we do not know……VERY SAD!!!