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Will New Archbishop of Washington Deny Pro-Abort Nancy Pelosi Communion at Jan. 3 Showcase Mass?

Pelosi scheduled to attend Mass at Trinity College in Washington as endorsement of alma mater and her Catholic faith

By John Jalsevac

WASHINGTON, December 19, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) - As Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)—a pro-abortion legislator who claims to be a practicing Catholic—prepares to celebrate her new role as House Speaker-elect, she also plans on airing her purported faith during an upcoming public Mass. On Jan. 3, Rep. Pelosi is scheduled to attend Mass at Trinity College in Washington as an endorsement of her alma mater and her Catholic faith.

In response to the announcement, however, American Life League has implored Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C. to intervene in an effort to prevent Pelosi from using the Mass for political gain.

The former Washington Archbishop, Theodore McCarrick, consistently refused to take any disciplinary action—even the most basic of refusing Holy Communion—against Catholic politicians who persistently and publicly espoused views that seriously contradict Catholic teaching. The current Archbishop, Donald Wuerl, who was installed in June of this year, has not yet indicated how he will deal with such renegade Catholic politicians. Pelosi’s attendance at the Trinity College Mass will be a test-case for Wuerl on the issue.   

"Rep. Pelosi has been unwavering in her support for abortion and is downright defiant toward the Church's teachings on the sanctity of human life," said Judie Brown, president of American Life League.

Brown has written to Archbishop Wuerl requesting that he do all in his power to stop the event. "Rep. Pelosi has a tremendous opportunity to make a difference for all human beings as the most powerful Catholic in Congress," said Brown. "Unfortunately, she continually supports the very act that destroys life rather than protects it. It is for this reason that a Catholic institution should not condone or support her position as a legislator."

American Life League and other conservative and Catholic organizations in the United States have consistently urged Catholic bishops to uphold Church teaching by denying Holy Communion to public figures who persistently condone the crime of abortion. Catholics believe that it is sacrilegious for someone in a state of serious sin—such as the public supporting of abortion—to receive the Eucharist.

In the past Pelosi has announced her intent to continue receiving Holy Communion, despite her pro-abortion views.

"Allowing Rep. Pelosi to receive honor at a Catholic college sends mixed signals about what the Catholic Church teaches," said Brown. "The bottom line is, abortion kills a living human being created in the image and likeness of God and is therefore always wrong. Because of this truth, it is unconscionable for Rep. Pelosi to call herself a Catholic in good standing while supporting the heinous act of abortion. We are hopeful that Archbishop Wuerl will intercede in this situation and prevent Rep. Pelosi from adding to an ongoing scandal."

"It is shameful that Trinity College, a supposedly Catholic institution, has turned a blind eye to the heretical views Pelosi embraces."

The office of the Archbishop of Washington was unable to provide any statement from the Archbishop for LifeSiteNews.com by press deadline.

To respectfully contact Archbishop Donald Wuerl:

P.O. Box 29260
Washington, DC
20017-0260 USA

Phone: 301-853-4500

See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:

Another US Bishop Says He Will Refuse Communion to Pro-Abort Politician
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2004/apr/04043003.html

PRO-ABORTION DEM HOUSE LEADER CALLS HERSELF A "CONSERVATIVE CATHOLIC"
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2002/nov/02111804.html

US Bishops Set to Tell Catholics Opposed to Teaching on Abortion or Homosexuality not to Receive Communion
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2006/oct/06102001.html

Highest Authorities in Vatican Back Denial of Communion to Pro-Abortion Politicians
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2004/jul/04070501.html

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