Catholic Democrats blast denial of communion

WASHINGTON — In a May 10 letter to Cardinal Theodore McCarrick of Washington, Catholic lawmakers who resent being targeted by bishops for their support of abortion rights have fired back.

The letter asked if the bishops would levy equal sanctions against politicians who voted for war in Iraq or the death penalty – both of which have been condemned by Pope John Paul II.

Archbishop Raymond Burke of St. Louis told Democratic nominee Sen. John Kerry he may not receive Communion in Missouri.

Bishop Michael Sheridan of Colorado Springs went further, telling Catholics who vote for politicians who support gay marriage, stem cell research, abortion or euthanasia that they need to go to Confession before they can receive Communion.

Sheridan has insisted he is not trying to steer Catholics to the Republican party, but rather teaching “clearly and fully the objective truth” of church doctrine.