The New Orleans archbishop stopped short of banning priests from giving Communion to such politicians.
«When Catholic officials openly support the taking of human life in abortion, euthanasia or the destruction of human embryos, they are no longer faithful members in the Church and should not partake of Holy Communion,» Archbishop Hughes wrote in his weekly column in the archdiocesan paper, the Clarion Herald.
He also warned Catholic voters about neglecting their duty to uphold the culture of life. «Moreover, citizens who promote this unjust taking of human life by their vote or support of such candidates share in responsibility for this grave evil,» he wrote
Archbishop Hughes’ declaration comes in the wake of a decree by Bishop Raymond Burke of La Crosse, Wisconsin, who banned Catholic lawmakers who support abortion and euthanasia from receiving Communion.
