From Dr. Patrick G. Coffey re denying Catholic pro-choice politicians the Eucharist.

This is the first time I have felt like replying to any of the writings of Dr. John Shea whose contributions to the Catholic Insight have been truly praiseworthy. I am writing regarding his letter in November 2004, which was in response to my letter in the September issue, on the subject of denying Catholic pro-choice politicians the right to receive the Eucharist in the Mass.

It may have been that nay letter was not as explanatory as it should have been and it could have given the impression that I am not very staunchly pro-life, which is certainly not true....

My second point is that my letter said nothing at all about "voting" for or against pro-choice politicians, contrary to what Dr. Shea wrote, "Dr. Patrick Coffey's letter in regard to the subject of voting for a 'pro-choice' Catholic politician made two points which require a response." My letter was solely about whether or not Catholic "pro-choice" politicians should be denied Communion.

Dr. Shea is obviously, and quite rightly, outraged at the behaviour of so-called Catholic politicians who say they are "pro-choice". I feel the same.

At the time that I wrote that letter, about July 2004, there seemed to be a burgeoning tendency for bishops in the U.S.A. and Canada to make the decision to forbid Catholic "pro-choice" politicians from receiving Communion, or anyway to think seriously about it. I am sure that many Catholics felt likewise, at any rate to some extent. At the present time, this "burgeoning tendency" seems to have died down.

But the point I was making in nay letter was that, before this radical step is taken, there has to be consideration given to the question of the individual politician's attitude. The term "pro-choice" by itself is not sufficiently precise to describe to what degree that particular politician is personally pro-abortion or anti-abortion.

Newcastle, ON