Hailed as a "moderate voice” in American Catholicism who is seeking to tone down the culture wars, Chicago's new Archbishop Blase Cupich has weighed in on Communion rights, immigration reform and gay marriage.
- The Huffington Post.
When asked by a CBS television presenter whether he would deny Communion to politicians who support abortion, Cupich emphasised dialogue and conversation instead of confrontation.
"I would not use the Eucharist, or as they call it 'the communion rail,' as a place to have those discussions or a way in which people would be either excluded from the life of the Church," he said on Face The Nation. "The Eucharist is an opportunity of grace and conversion. It's also a time of forgiveness of sins, so my hope would be that grace would be instrumental in bringing people to the truth."
The Huffington Post asked the Archdiocese for clarification, but did not hear back.
Cupich’s softened approach stands in stark contrast to the position held by Cardinal Raymond Burke, a prominent conservative Archbishop who has led campaigns to ban Catholic politicians who support abortions from receiving Communion. He has been an outspoken campaigner against both abortion and same-sex marriage. He was also one of five cardinals who challenged Pope Francis’ welcoming attitude towards nontraditional and divorced couples.
FULL STORY
Chicago's Archbishop Cupich Will Not Deny Pro-Choice Politicians Communion, Emphasizes Dialogue (The Huffington Post)
