N.J. Bishop Says He Won't Serve Governor (Communion)

[Khephra]

CAMDEN, N.J. -- The incoming leader of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden said that he would not serve Holy Communion to Gov. James E. McGreevey, a divorced Catholic who supports abortion rights.

The Most Rev. Joseph Galante said Thursday that he was taking the stance primarily because the Democratic governor remarried without receiving a church annulment.

Galante also cited McGreevey's support of abortion rights, stem cell research and other positions that contradict church views.

Galante, who was being installed Friday during a Mass at St. Agnes Church in Blackwood, said he felt duty-bound to take a hard-line stance on the issue. He said the public becomes confused about church teachings when bishops fail to challenge Catholic politicians on their voting records.

McGreevey was not planning to attend the installation. If he did, Galante said, "I'd give him a blessing. In his case, he can't go to Communion."

more...........

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-bishop-communion,0,191450.story?coll=sns-ap-nation-headlines

[Sagan]

1. but he WILL protect child-molesting priests, so it all works out ...

I love the Church, but this is seriously screwed up.

[displacedtexan]

2. It's time to run for Pope...

which means that many lesser arch bishops, bishops and 'most reverends' are out there stumping for their cardinals of choice. This is when Catholic priests are at their most pious, trying to outdo each other... in the hope that their guy either becomes Pope or at least moves up the food chain.

[xray s]

3. What about politicians that vote for death penalties and wars of "choice"?

I little consistency would be nice for a change.

[leftchick]

4. As a Catholic I have to say....

This has gotten totaly out of control. The fact is, if they don't give communion to pro-choice people then they better not give communion to women or men who use birth control. Or women and men who have used Reproductive technologies to try and get pregnant. That leaves out a LOT of Catholics and is why they should not be pushing this right-wing crap!

[saigon68]

10. I agree with you

There are a lot of things wrong with the whole picture.

[lupita]

11. As a Catholic, we should abstain from tithing.

That should send them a message.

[Demoiselle]

14. And let's not forget ...

that they somehow don't feel the need to attack pro -choice Republicans! (Good Joe Conason piece on the subject that you can link to from Bartcop today.)

[Trajan]

5. I understand Lizzy Dole is pro-choice AND Catholic ...

Hmmmmmmmmm .....

[DoYouEverWonder]

6. When pedophile priest are no longer allowed to give communion

then these assholes should start worrying about who is receiving it.

[Lugnut]

7. My hope is that

Gov. McGreevy doesn't give a shit. :grr:

[damnraddem]

8. McGreevey shouldn't accept communion from Galante, anyway.

After all, who knows where Galante's hands have been?

[truth2power]

16. That's priceless!! LOL

[progressivebydesign]

9. I smell a Scalia at work here.. N/T

[LibDemAlways]

12. I wish these blowhard bishops would just shut up.

The reality is that communion lines are long, and communion is frequently distributed by members of the congregation who simply hand it out no questions asked. The truth is, anyone can get up and receive communion in a Catholic church.

[SoCalDem]

13. Did he also promise to quit "eying" those juicy little altar boys?

:(

[0007]

15. Please Pleas plese tell me this is a dream -

I'm tired of these God playin' sons-of-a-bitches, that can't even keep their own house straight.

[Gin]

17. I'm as holy as any Pope or priest...I will give communion to the

Governor.

By the way Governor..if you don't take communion...it's ok..your soul will be fine...the walls will not cave in...and the earth will not stop spinning.

This priest is nothing but a fool in a black dress.

[ButterflyBlood]

18. McGreevey shouldn't be bothered one bit

he's not screwing little boys, so he's already on a higher moral ground.