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| President Joe Biden: Associated Press |
Don’t use Communion as a weapon
Conservative American Catholic bishops advocating that President Joe Biden and other Catholic political leaders be excluded from Communion are violating the open table policy of Jesus in the Gospels. He ate with sinners and outcasts when he reclined at table at banquet celebrations.
In every Mass, Catholics celebrate the Eucharist as a sacred meal of unity in Christ that breaks down all barriers of exclusion separating human beings from each other. This is the reason that some Catholics today are celebrating the Eucharist in inclusive communities that welcome everyone to eat and drink at the table of God’s extravagant love.
The Catholic bishops should not use the Eucharist as a weapon to ostracize Catholic politicians or others who oppose the teachings of the Church. They should follow Jesus’ example and respect everyone’s conscience in making difficult decisions on divisive moral issues that affect the well-being of human beings and the planet.
Bridget Mary Meehan, Sarasota
Catholic bishops should be ashamed
I had just about recovered from the surprise, embarrassment and shame that I felt for the government of my country, the United States, for the last four years of the Trump presidency.
And now, when I read about the Catholic bishops threatening to withhold Communion from President Joe Biden, I’m going through the same series of emotions – surprise, embarrassment and shame – at the organization that I held in such high esteem and for which I was a loyal and enthusiastic supporter. These celibate men are making another man-made decision based on unexamined dogma.
I believe these men would deny membership to Jesus and refuse to give him Communion.
Jack Duffy, Nokomis
(published in Sarasota Herald Tribune, June 22,2021)
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