In a move stirring significant debate, a Catholic priest has taken a firm stance by prohibiting a Member of Parliament from receiving communion due to the MP’s stance on assisted suicide.
Father Ian Vane informed Liberal Democrat MP Chris Coghlan that a vote in favor of the assisted suicide bill would constitute a persistent sin, barring him from participating in the sacrament of communion.
As a guardian of the sacraments, Father Vane emphasized his responsibility to uphold their sanctity. He not only denied communion to Coghlan but also made this decision public during a mass, although Coghlan was not present.
While Coghlan condemned Father Vane’s decision as “outrageous,” there were voices within the community, including past critics of Vane, who supported a more judicious approach to the dispensation of holy sacraments.
Damian Thompson, who once edited the Catholic Herald, remarked that Father Vane’s actions had “deeply shocked other priests.”
In an article for The Observer, Coghlan expressed his disapproval, stating, “It is completely inappropriate … It undermines the legitimacy of religious institutions in this country if representatives think it is acceptable to try to coerce members of parliament.”
Coghlan reached out to Bishop Richard Moth, the head of the Arundel and Brighton diocese, seeking redress. The diocese confirmed the bishop’s communication with Coghlan and his willingness to meet for further discussion.
In 2021, Antonio Spadaro, a Vatican official, emphasized that the church does not intend to wield access to communion as a “political weapon.” This guidance paralleled the church’s advisements to U.S. bishops regarding politicians who support abortion.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
