60 Catholic House Dems Challenge the US Bishops on Communion — Here’s Why They’re Wrong

Sixty Catholic House members released a “Statement of Principles” in response to the U.S. bishops’ recent meeting discussing “Eucharistic coherence” and whether politicians explicitly and persistently advocating abortions have precluded themselves from fittingly receiving Holy Communion. My answer here to that Statement addresses three groups:

those who’ve read the document (whether with sympathy or suspicion);
those who signed it;
whomever wrote it.

To group 1, I offer guidance. To groups 2 and 3, I offer questions and an invitation. To all three groups, I promise fairness, politeness and charity.

… some lenses through which to read the Statement and offer some clues as to where the weaknesses are:

1. Always be cautious when you hear “living tradition” — it’s akin to legal scholars speaking of the Constitution as a “living document.” In this context, “living document” connotes that the words on the paper mean not what they say, but whatever the reader of the document finds expedient at the moment

2. “…a tradition that unfailingly promotes the common good…” The common good is praised often by advocates of social justice. The phrase has a place in Catholic social teaching, but it certainly doesn’t mean what most people think it means.

3. “In all these issues, we seek the Church’s guidance and assistance but believe also in the primacy of conscience.”

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