Illinois bishop backs priest’s decision to deny Communion to pro-abortion Sen. Dick Durbin

Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois, known for his outspoken defense of the right to life and the natural family, has signaled his support for denying Communion to Catholic politicians who publicly endorse activities gravely contrary to the moral law.

The bishop wrote recently to a pro-life activist to affirm that he is upholding a diocesan priest’s decision to deny Communion to U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-IL, who has a 100% rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America and Planned Parenthood.

Paprocki’s e-mail was reported Thursday by Catholic commentator Matt Abbott.

“Senator Durbin was informed several years ago by his pastor at Blessed Sacrament Parish here in Springfield that he was not permitted to receive Holy Communion per canon 915 of the Code of Canon Law,” Paprocki wrote. “My predecessor upheld that decision and it remains in effect. It is my understanding that the senator is complying with that decision here in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.”
 Canon 915 states that those who are “obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion.”
 In placing the onus on ministers of Holy Communion, canon 915 is distinct from canon 916, which places the onus on the communicant to not approach for Communion if they are “conscious of grave sin.”

Both Vice President Joe Biden and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) should also now be denied communion. Not only do these people oppose a core faith and moral teaching of the Church, but they do so publicly, and thus cause scandal to the Church and harm to people who listen to them because of their positions of power.

Joe Biden Believes Women Should Be Home With Their Children Forget About Working

Joe Biden On The View

Crazy Uncle Joe, Vice President Joe Biden is at it again.  He stuck his foot in his mouth last week.

Vice president Joe Biden’s latest blunder, handed down during an appearance on “The View,” has raised the hackles of several women who say his 1950s-era image of what women want is degrading, offensive and ridiculously stereotypical.

His words, touting Obamacare: “How many of you are single women with children with a dead-end job … there because of your health insurance.”

He went on: “You would rather have the opportunity to spend the next couple years with your children, [but] you’re not trapped in that job.”

Enter Obamacare, and he said, on The View: “You’re [now] able to make a choice. … Did you know you can get health insurance absent that job?”

And Mr. Biden’s final message to women: Obamacare “gives women a great deal more freedom” and the ability to quit their jobs and stay home with their children.

Crystal Wright, a conservative female blogger who appeared on Fox & Friends on Wednesday, called Mr. Biden’s statements ridiculous and condescending.

“It’s ridiculous, the notion that women only work for health care or that women don’t work for driving careers … or to provide for their children,” Ms. Wright. “It’s like ‘Joe, are you living in an altered reality?’”