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AmP Countdown: Time left until the XXIII World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia : 2008-07-15 12:00:00 GMT-05:00


Tuesday, May 06, 2008

A maybe minor point regarding communion, jurisdiction, and bishops

First off, I read this headline:
"Archbishop Wuerl says politicians’ support for abortion is wrong"
... and thought to myself "well sure, but that's not what we're discussing here."

Abp. Wuerl's basic argument is that politicians should be denied communion (or not) based on the decision of that individual's home bishop, not the Archbishop of Washington where he is receiving.

I'm wondering if this jurisdictional argument holds any water. It is my (elementary) understanding that a Bishop is responsible not only for the spiritual welfare of his diocese, but also is responsible for the proper administration of the sacraments (and especially the Eucharist).

Remember, according to Church teaching (as I understand it), it is both damaging to the impenitent person to receive Communion in a state of mortal sin and it is a sacrilege of the Most Blessed Sacrament when an unworthy person receives. And while Abp. Wuerl might not be responsible for preventing the former, he is responsible for preventing the latter.

Ergo, he does have a say in the dilemma of publicly pro-abortion politicians receiving communion in DC.

Where am I wrong on this? I'd like to hear your input.

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