A British politician was denied communion by a priest after voting in favor of assisted dying legislation, sparking controversy. The priest's actions, supported by the Bishop, were in line with the Catholic Church's stance against assisted dying. The politician has lodged a complaint, calling the priest's actions 'outrageous'. This incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the intersection of religious beliefs and political decisions.
7 days ago
Liberal Democrat MP Chris Coghlan was denied Holy Communion by Father Ian Vane due to his support for the UK's assisted suicide bill 2. The priest publicly announced his decision during Mass, citing Coghlan's "yes" vote as a contravention of Church teaching 2. Coghlan has criticized the priest's actions 1 2.
The Catholic Church opposes assisted suicide, viewing it as a grave violation of the sanctity of life 2. Bishop Richard Moth had urged Catholics to oppose the bill, warning of potential pressure on vulnerable individuals 2. Father Vane warned Coghlan that his vote would be considered a "murderous act" and cause scandal if he were allowed to receive Communion 2. Coghlan, however, maintains that his "private religion" should not influence his work as an MP 2.
Coghlan has lodged a complaint with Bishop Moth, deeming the priest's actions "outrageous" and an attempt to coerce his vote 2. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who introduced the assisted dying bill, defended Coghlan's right to vote according to his conscience 2. Archbishop John Sherrington expressed his shock and disappointment at the bill's passage in the Commons, warning of the erosion of care for vulnerable people 2.
The assisted dying bill narrowly passed in the House of Commons by a 23-vote margin and has moved to the House of Lords 2. The bill is scheduled for its Second Reading in either July or September, with further stages anticipated in November and December 2. While it is unusual for the House of Lords to block bills passed by the Commons, the narrow majority and concerns from medical professionals may hinder its progress 2.
The Eucharist's role reflects Catholic teaching on grave sin.
The Eucharist holds a central place in Catholic teaching, and its reception is closely tied to the state of one's soul, particularly concerning grave sin.
The Eucharist is a sacrament that contains the body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ under the appearance of bread and wine . In the Eucharist, Christ is truly and substantially present with his Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity . The Eucharist is the Church’s entire spiritual wealth and the Sacrament of Sacraments, through which the work of redemption is accomplished . It is the very sacrifice of the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus, instituted to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross .
Grave, or mortal, sins rupture the communion shared with God and the Church and cause grave offense to human dignity . A mortal sin is committed when someone freely, knowingly, and willingly chooses to do something that involves grave matter and is opposed to charity, or love of God and neighbor . Mortal sin destroys charity within us and deprives us of sanctifying grace; if unrepented, it leads to eternal death .
Reception of the Eucharist requires proper disposition, meaning freedom from grave sin. Someone conscious of grave sin should not receive the Eucharist without prior sacramental confession, unless there is a grave reason and no opportunity to confess . In such cases, one should make an act of perfect contrition, resolving to confess as soon as possible . St. Paul warns against receiving the Eucharist in an unworthy manner, as it can lead to condemnation . He urges self-examination before partaking in the Eucharist . Intentionally concealing grave sins in Confession means a person remains unhealed, and if they approach Holy Communion in such a state, they commit a grave sin .
The ordinary means of reconciliation with God and the Church is individual and integral confession of grave sins, followed by absolution . Confession of venial sins is not necessary but is strongly recommended . If a person has no desire to repent and refuses to correct the damage caused by sin, they are incapable of receiving forgiveness, even if they have come to Confession, and the priest can refuse absolution to motivate true conversion .
Sin has a double consequence: it deprives us of communion with God, leading to eternal punishment, and it entails an unhealthy attachment to creatures, requiring purification on earth or in Purgatory .
In summary, the Eucharist is a sacred sacrament that requires the recipient to be in a state of grace, free from grave sin. Confession is the ordinary means to be reconciled with God and the Church.