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edward
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Posted -
2005/7/9 上午 11:15:44
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Catholic MP denied Communion for gay marriage stance
Ottawa, Jul. 08 (LifesiteNews.com/CWN) - TIMMINS, July 6, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Newspapers and radio shows in Canada are rife with the "shocking" news that a Catholic politician has been denied Communion after voting in favor of the federal same-sex marriage legislation. Charles Angus, a Catholic Member of Parliament for the NDP party was denied Communion after he voted in support of same-sex marriage Bill C-38 in Parliament on June 28.
Angus has characterized the action by his pastor as a shocking and improper action on the part of a lone priest. However, the pastor of Angus's St. Patrick's parish in Cobalt, Ontario, Father John Lemire, told LifeSiteNews.com it is not his choice, but adherence to the clear laws of the Church which forbid Angus from receiving Communion.
Angus told CFRA radio in Ottawa this week, "I feel that we are starting to move into some very uncomfortable waters when the priest is telling me how to vote in the House of Commons." He also accused the priest of illicitly using his role for political pressure. "I felt no matter what else was at stake I can't allow the Eucharist to be a political pressure point," he said.
Father Lemire told LifeSiteNews.com that "it is a consistent teaching of the Catholic Church as voiced by the current Pope and his predecessor" that those who reject Church teaching in grave matters may not be admitted to Communion. Father Lemire stressed that Angus is "very welcome" to come to Mass but cannot receive Communion without repenting of his actions.
Angus was very clear on radio that he had no intention of changing his stance. "I'm willing to live with the results of what has happened," he said, noting also that he had only been to church a couple of times since January, when Father Lemire first warned him about the stand of the Church on Holy Communion and politicians supporting laws gravely contrary to Catholic teaching. He says his family has also refused to go to church as a result of the incident.
Father Lemire noted that the denial of Communion is an act of care and concern for the parishioner rather than a threat or punishment. It is "to help politicians and people in the pews to better understand and appreciate the faith" and the seriousness of violating it, he said.
With the backing of Bishop Paul Marchand of Timmins, Father Lemire repeatedly asked Angus to reconsider his position, noting that the Catholic politician was "scandalizing members of our faith community," and warning him that he was placing himself in a position where he would have to be denied Communion.
Bishop Marchand joined members of Campaign Life Coalition in February to protest outside Angus's local office. In a letter to all parishes in the diocese last weekend, Bishop Marchand wrote, "I was deeply disappointed to witness our two area Members of Parliament, Mr. Charlie Angus (Timmins - James Bay) and Mr. Anthony Rota (Nipissing - Timiskaming), vote in favor of changing the definition of marriage and support same-sex marriage. Their position is clearly contrary to the teachings of our Catholic Faith and is inconsistent with the vast majority of the men and women who elected them to the House of Commons."
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