Raymond Cardinal Burke, a prominent Catholic cleric, has condemned President Joe Biden’s reception of Holy Communion as a “sacrilege” due to his unrepentant support for legal abortion and other issues. Burke argues that Biden’s actions are a “rebellion against God’s plan for us” and that it is not possible for him to receive Communion in good conscience.
Burke stresses the importance of a “deepening of faith” in the Blessed Sacrament and notes that one sign of this is that American clergy are permitting Biden to receive Communion despite his publicly contradictory stance on life and morality. He suggests that this sends a message to Catholics that it is acceptable to support policies and laws that are contrary to the Church’s teachings.
Burke proposes a “pastoral approach” where clergy should inform Biden that he cannot receive Communion as long as he supports policies and laws that violate the Divine Law, and then refuse him Communion if he attempts to receive it. He notes that this is not about making the Communion rail a battleground, but rather about respecting Christ Himself.
Burke also highlights the significance of the issue, citing Saint Paul’s teachings on the importance of worthy reception of Holy Communion. He emphasizes that allowing public sinners to receive Communion sends a message to Catholics and “teaches” them something about the Eucharist.
In terms of why American bishops are not coming to a consensus on this issue, Burke attributes it to a misunderstanding of the nature of the Church as the Body of Christ. He suggests that many Catholics have forgotten the importance of proper preparation for receiving the Eucharist and have become complacent about their own consciences.
Burke also references Canon 915 of the Catholic Code of Canon Law, which forbids those in mortal sin from receiving Communion, and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s 2004 memo, which states that politicians who consistently support abortion and euthanasia laws must be denied Communion.
Overall, Cardinal Burke’s statements emphasize the importance of upholding Catholic teaching and discipline in regards to Holy Communion, particularly in light of public figures like President Biden who publicly contradict Church teachings.
(Hat Tip: Life Site News)
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