Notification sent to Speaker Nancy Pelosi

[Peetem]

"Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Pope Francis has been one of the world’s most vocal advocates of human dignity in every stage and condition of life. He decries what he evocatively calls the “throwaway culture.” There can be no more extreme example of this cultural depravity than when direct attacks on human life are enshrined in a nation’s law, celebrated by society, and even paid for by the government. This is why Pope Francis, as much as any pope in living memory, has repeatedly and vividly affirmed the Church’s clear and constant teaching that abortion is a grave moral evil."

https://sfarch.org/letter-to-the-faithf ... cy-pelosi/

[Stella]

That appears to be a letter from 2 years ago. The issue of publicly speaking of the Communion line, is uniquely American and seems to be a thing of this particular era.

In the big picture completely aside from the important work of publicly advocating against abortion, you do have to wonder if speaking of particular individuals presenting for Holy Communion is the right way to go.

[peregrinator]

In the big picture completely aside from the important work of publicly advocating against abortion, you do have to wonder if speaking of particular individuals presenting for Holy Communion is the right way to go.

Ministers of Holy Communion should be instructed to deny It to these individuals when they present themselves.

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

Can. 915 Those upon whom the penalty of excommunication or interdict has been imposed or declared, and others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin, are not to be admitted to holy communion.

[Stella]

Can. 915 Those upon whom the penalty of excommunication or interdict has been imposed or declared, and others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin, are not to be admitted to holy communion.

In the history of the Church, it must have happened more as a private communication between the bishops and their Priest and then a private communication between the diocesan Priest and the public figure. It's never been by way of public declaration by a Bishop to the whole community. That doesn't mean that Bishops shouldn't call out public figures for grave sin, just not make the declaration about the Communion line public. That makes a real spectacle of the Canon in my opinion.

[Doom]

Nancy Pelosi was voted out of the position of Speaker of the House and demoted to a mere member of the House and then the Republicans retook control of the House and she isn't even in the majority. After being voted out, she inexplicably decided to stay in the House rather than having the dignity to resign after the public humiliation as Newt Gingrich, Kevin MacCarthy, and several other Speakers over the years who lost the office of Speaker for any reason other than a change of parties controlling the chamber.

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

It's never been by way of public declaration by a Bishop to the whole community.

Really?

[Tired]

Can. 915 Those upon whom the penalty of excommunication or interdict has been imposed or declared, and others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin, are not to be admitted to holy communion.

It's hard for me to imagine a clearer statement...

[Stella]

Was it ever a thing in the Church to publicly declare a particular individual was barred from Holy Communion? I can believe that a general direction might be issued for how Canon 915 applies and for what particular type of sin, but not for individually naming a public figure. The communication of that nature would prudently happen between the Bishop or Priest, and the individual concerned.

[Peetem]

Was it ever a thing in the Church to publicly declare a particular individual was barred from Holy Communion? I can believe that a general direction might be issued for how Canon 915 applies and for what particular type of sin, but not for individually naming a public figure. The communication of that nature would prudently happen between the Bishop or Priest, and the individual concerned.

Her sins are public and therefore, include the sin of "scandal". Public sins often require a public reprimand lest the faithful fall into error.

Her Bishop did try to handle things quietly. But in Pelosi's great pride she refused to recant her views. Therefore, justice dictates a public reprimand.

These restrictions are to heal, not hurt, the former speaker. Her soul is in real danger. If she recants her views, then potentially hundreds of thousands of Catholics who also hold her view, might repent of their sins and also be healed.

Today we are WAY too caught up in hurting people's feelings. These public figures have no problem wagging their fingers (and even jailing) at those who oppose their gravely sinful viewpoints. But they are endangering souls in doing so, so feelings be darned.

This is nothing new - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_p ... easonally.

[peregrinator]

Was it ever a thing in the Church to publicly declare a particular individual was barred from Holy Communion? I can believe that a general direction might be issued for how Canon 915 applies and for what particular type of sin, but not for individually naming a public figure. The communication of that nature would prudently happen between the Bishop or Priest, and the individual concerned.

In the past the individual might have been interdicted or even excommunicated. And in certain circumstances it would have to be declared - if someone were excommunicated vitandus, since the faithful were to avoid that person.