“…if through any bad decision, Ireland should abandon its strong position against abortion, it will simply go down a road that many countries have already gone down …Once abortion is decriminalised it becomes an ever expanding reality in society and it generates a whole culture of death …so it’s a critical moment for Ireland, it’s not only for Ireland itself but it’ll also be a critical moment for Her to give a witness to the whole world with regard to this fundamental issue, which our Holy Father has addressed so frequently, which the Bishops of Ireland are addressing to the people now and the good Catholics need to listen to Our Holy Father...” - Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke

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A SENIOR Vatican cardinal has told priests not to give communion to politicians who support abortion.

Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke warned that legalising abortion creates a "culture of death" and that he fears for the future in Ireland.

The American, who is based in the Vatican, weighed in to the Irish abortion debate and said a diocesan bishop could directly reprimand a politician in certain circumstances.

And in accordance with canon law, he said priests should exclude politicians who support abortion from receiving communion.

"Those who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin should not be admitted to receive holy communion. There can be no question that the practise of abortion is among the gravest of manifest sins," he said.

"As long as (a Catholic politican) continues to support legislation which fosters abortion or other intrinsic evils, then he should be refused holy communion."

The local bishop should "teach clearly in the matter" and should encourage his priests to make sure that the church's discipline is observed, he added.

Cardinal Burke is prefect of the Apostolic Signatura – the supreme authority on justice in the church apart from the Pope.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr James Reilly promised his Cabinet colleagues to come back with draft abortion laws – but can't give a date.

Government tensions mean the heads of the bill are not yet finalised.

Dr Reilly only gave a verbal briefing to the Cabinet today on the proposed laws as a result.

And there was no detailed discussion among ministers on the issue.

The minister said the next time he comes back, he will have a draft in writing.

Source: LUKE BYRNE - The Independent




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