US Catholic bishops open path to deny communion to Biden for supporting abortion right

The US bishops overwhelmingly approved drafting a "teaching document" that many of them hope will rebuke Catholic politicians, including President Joe Biden,

for receiving communion despite their support for abortion rights.

If this measure is approved, it could even deny that religious rite to the president. 

The result of the vote, 168 in favor and 55 against, was announced Friday at the end of a three-day virtual meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

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Supporters of the measure said it was necessary to strongly admonish Biden for protecting access to abortion, a social right for women recognized by law and the Supreme Court;

while opponents warned that that would portray the bishops as

a partisan force at a time of bitter political divisions in the country.

As a result of the vote, the USCCB's doctrinal committee will draft a statement on the meaning of communion in the life of the church, which will be presented for consideration at a future meeting, likely in person in November.

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One section of the document seeks to include a specific warning for Catholic politicians and other public figures who disobey the church's teachings on abortion and other doctrinal issues.

Bishop Donald Hying of Madison, Wisconsin said during Thursday's debate that he has spoken to

many people who are confused

by a Catholic president promoting "the most radical pro-abortion agenda in history," and that action is needed. of the bishops conference.

"They are looking for an address," Hying said.

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Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego responded that the USCCB would suffer "destructive consequences" if such a document is issued.

"It would be impossible to prevent the use of the Eucharist as a weapon," he opined.

Biden, who attends mass regularly, says

he personally opposes abortion, but doesn't think he should impose that position on citizens who feel otherwise.

He has taken several executive actions during his presidency that were acclaimed by defenders of the right to abortion, legally enshrined since 1973.

Joe Biden, while still a candidate, speaks at Sunday service at New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, on March 8, 2020. Mandel Ngan / AFP via Getty Images

USCCB doctrinal committee chair Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, said no decisions have been made on the final content of the proposed document.

He added that bishops who are not on the committee will have the opportunity to offer their opinion, and the final draft will be subject to amendment before it is put to a vote.

Rhoades also said the

document would not mention Biden or others by name and would offer guidance

in lieu of imposing a mandatory national policy.

That would leave decisions about Communion for parishioners in the hands of individual bishops and archbishops.

Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, has made it clear that, in the meantime, 

Biden is welcome to receive communion in the churches of the archdiocese.