Why Abp. Niederauer's Giving of Communion to "Queer Nuns" is (and should be) a big deal

This story (blogged here and then here), is going to attract plenty of attention. While it involves many complex questions, a few points are objective and obvious, and therefore shouldn't be lost sight of:

Canon Law says that those "obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin" are "not to be admitted to holy communion." Not "discouraged" - not admitted.

Two men dressed as nuns, who look like this, are objectively, manifestly supporting a culture of grave sin and openly mocking the Church.

This action represented a public challenge on the part of the "Queer nuns," a public choice made by Archbishop George Niederauer, and we have video evidence of what happened (available streaming here or WMP here). The fact that the objective situation is not open to dispute means the only question here is one of principle and norm.

To name one ramification, Abp. Neiderauer is the head of the San Francisco archdiocese. It goes without saying that his actions and attitude towards the gay agenda are closely observed. He is providing an example (for good or ill) to the rest of the Catholic Church in America concerning the appropriate response to make when gay activists present themselves for the Eucharist. His record was already questionable.

In this situation, I would submit that anything less than a sincere apology and firm public commitment to change course will not answer either the disservice he has done to his office and his flock, or to the objective sacrilege he is allowed to be visited upon the Real Presence entrusted to his care.

Conclusion: When the bleachers are full and everyone's watching, it's really time to step up to the plate.

Related links (I fully expect the mainstream media to pick up on this by tomorrow):

• "Queer nuns” get Communion - California Catholic Daily
• One bread, one body? - Off The Record