Priest refuses Communion to someone

[Marian_Carroll]

**The original question asked is:

Anyone know of any articles on when a priest has refused to administer the Sacrament of communion to someone? Thanks.

**

As such it is an appropriate one in the Liturgy & Sacraments Forum. It is to be anticipated that the issue of those in public life who seemingly express views contrary to Catholic teaching yet continue to receive the sacraments will arise in the discussion.

We are all aware that reception of the Eucharist with regard to public figures varies from bishop to bishop. There are differences of opinion and practice.

Please let’s keep the discussion in the same vein that the USCCB will….the rules or protocols will involve the issues, not individuals or political parties.

This topic has also been discussed in the past here:

Denial of Communion
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=96729

Ted Kennedy allowed communion?
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=96367

 

[valient_Lucy]

I told my wife that any priest that knows Nancy Pelosi’s voting record would be obligated to refuse to give her the Eucharist if she went up for communion. My wife said she think’s that’s wrong. I told her that if the priest knows that a person is of mortal sin he is not to administer the Sacrament. My wife said he doesn’t know for sure. What if Nancy Pelosi went to confession right before mass? My wife said the priest would have to ask every single person in line for communion if they are in a state of grace. Anyone know of any articles on when a priest has refused to administer the Sacrament of communion to someone? Thanks.

I haven’t heard of a case, but I agree with you. Someone like Nancy Pelosi, who promotes abortion, is supporting a terrible sin. If she recieves communion, the parishoners may get the idea that supporting abortion is not a sin, or that the Catholic Church does not care about abortion. This could lead to scandal, and that must be prevented.
It is possible that Nancy Pelosi could go to confession and be forgiven, but I would expect that, after she went to confession, she would resolve to change her voting practices and her political stance.