The Catholic Church has been warned that the tax-exemption status it enjoys could be withdrawn due to its plan to prevent pro-abortion politicians from taking the Holy Communion. This threat came after the plan by the U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops was made public during their general assembly meeting.
President Joe Biden is among the pro-choice politicians that would be banned from taking the communion. A democrat, Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) stated the likely consequence of the planned actions of the Catholic Church. He said,
“If they’re going to politically weaponize religion by ‘rebuking’ Democrats who support women’s reproductive choice, then a ‘rebuke’ of their tax-exempt status may be in order.’’
Christian Headlines reported that a statement was released by the almost 60 Catholic House Democrats, sticking to their principles. They urged the Church soberly not to succumb to the threat and go against the ‘’most holy of all sacraments, the source and the summit of the whole work of the gospel over one issue.” The statement reads,
“… We seek the Church’s guidance and assistance but believe also in the primacy of conscience. In recognizing the Church’s role in providing moral leadership, we acknowledge and accept the tension that comes with being in disagreement with the Church in some areas.”
Furthermore, they said that they are aware that all the political parties do not agree with them totally as it relates to the doctrine of the Church. This is evident in the secular manner of the democracy of America and not in the dedication of their democratically elected leaders.
Nevertheless, they trust that they can talk to the basic issues that bring them together as Catholics and also contribute their voices to shifting the political debate – a debate that has not been effective in reflecting and covering the intensity and intricacy of these issues.
The Democrats also cited the disconnection of the state and the church which “allows for our faith to inform our public duties and best serve our constituents.”
“The Sacrament of Holy Communion is central to the life of practicing Catholics, and the weaponization of the Eucharist to Democratic lawmakers for their support of a woman’s safe and legal access to abortion is contradictory," the statement concluded.
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