VATICAN CITY, JULY 8, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Catholics who openly support abortion need to understand that it is not right for them to receive Communion, says the working document of the next Synod of Bishops.
The working document will serve as the basis for discussions of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops, to be held Oct. 2-23, on the theme: «The Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Life and Mission of the Church.»
«Some Catholics do not understand why it might be a sin to support a political candidate who is openly in favor of abortion or other serious acts against life, justice and peace,» says the paper. «Such attitudes lead to, among other things, a crisis in the meaning of belonging to the Church and in a clouding of the distinction between venial and mortal sin.»
The text says that «some receive Communion while denying the teachings of the Church, or publicly supporting immoral choices in life, such as abortion, without thinking that they are committing an act of grave personal dishonesty and causing scandal.»
«Some Catholics don’t always act in a way which distinguishes them from other persons; they succumb to the temptation to corruption in various situations and levels of society,» the document says.
As a proposal, the working document suggests that «increasing emphasis needs to be given to the necessity of sanctification and personal conversion, and to the unity between Church teaching and the moral life.»
Catechesis
«Furthermore, the faithful should be continually encouraged to see the Eucharist as the source of moral strength, holiness and spiritual advancement,» the document states.
It continues: «Finally, fundamental importance needs to be given in catechesis to the bond between the Eucharist and the construction of a just society through each one’s personal responsibility actively to participate in the Church’s mission in the world.
«In this sense, Catholics who occupy significant positions in political life and various social activity have a particular obligation.»
