Catholic priest (thankfully) denies Communion to Joe Biden

By Matt C. Abbott

Father Robert Morey, pastor of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Florence, South Carolina, should be commended for denying Holy Communion to pro-abortion presidential candidate Joe Biden on Oct. 27.

From SCNow.com (Oct. 28):

'Sadly, this past Sunday, I had to refuse Holy Communion to former Vice President Joe Biden,' Morey told the Morning News via email. 'Holy Communion signifies we are one with God, each other and the Church. Our actions should reflect that. Any public figure who advocates for abortion places himself or herself outside of Church teaching.'

Morey said that as a priest, it is his responsibility to minister to those souls entrusted to his care and that he must do so in even the most difficult situations.

'I will keep Mr. Biden in my prayers,' Morey added.

I wish more Catholic clergy would enforce Canon 915 by denying Holy Communion to Catholics "obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin." Those clergy who criticize and disagree with Morey's decision are, at best, terribly misguided, if not a blatant disgrace to the Church.

Father Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, said in a statement: "I hope more priests will follow [Morey's] lead by refusing the sacrament to politicians who not only support abortion but who advocate for taxpayer funding for the murder of children."

As of the time this column was submitted for publication, Morey reportedly has the backing of his bishop.

Thank you for your witness, Father Morey! Be glad your bishop isn't, say, Blase Cupich, Wilton Gregory, Joseph Tobin, or Robert McElroy. Faithful Catholics will pray that you won't be thrown under the bus by false shepherds.

© Matt C. Abbott