We Have a Right to Life, Mr. Biden—Not the Eucharist, by Casey Chalk

The Reverend Robert E. Morey of Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Florence, South Carolina, denied former vice president and leading Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden Communion during a Sunday morning Mass in late October. Rev. Morey told a local newspaper that Biden, who was in Florence for a campaign stop, was denied Communion because of his stance on abortion. “Holy Communion signifies we are one with God, each other and the Church. Our actions should reflect that,” said Morey. “Any public figure who advocates for abortion places himself or herself outside of Church teaching.”

Cue the outraged responses. PBS NewsHour anchor and managing editor Judy Woodruff in a November 1 interview sympathetically asked Biden if he was “offended” by Fr. Morey’s actions. Biden responded by explaining that while it was “a private matter… it’s not a position that I’ve found anywhere else, including from the Holy Father, who gives me Communion.” In a later statement, Biden further explained: “I practice my faith… but I’ve never let my religious beliefs, which I accept based on Church doctrine… impose that view on other people.”  ….