Catholic politicians and abortion. (News in Brief: United States).

Los Angeles -- Some bishops have evidently read the Vatican's January 17, 2002, Doctrinal Note on the "participation of Catholics in political life" (see C.I., March 2003, p.22). Among them is Bishop William Weigand of Sacramento, CA, who on the anniversary of Roe v Wade advised Governor Gray Davis of California to refrain from receiving Holy Communion while he continues to espouse his pro-abortion views. The governor, who claims to be a practising Catholic, said through a spokesman that he was proud of the pro-choice legislation he has signed; he criticized the bishop for "telling the faithful how to practise their faith," and has received Holy Communion since.

The National Catholic Register (Feb. 23/03), reported that Bishop Weigand has no intention of "formally forbidding the governor from receiving Communion." Is this another case of, all words, and no action?