American Life League has launched a public petition campaign asking the U.S. Catholic bishops to uphold the Church's stance on the sanctity of human life by enforcing Canon Law 915. "The Church's teachings on the incompatibility of supporting abortion and receiving Holy Communion are clear and concise," said Judie Brown, president of American Life League. "Denial of Communion is not a sanction or a punishment; it is in fact a form of pastoral correction designed to show that an individual is out of communion with the Body of Christ."
Today's petition is just the latest step in encouraging Church officials to defend Canon Law 915, which states that those who "obstinately persist in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to communion." The petition is available online at www.CatholicCrusade.com.
"There is absolutely no reason for Catholics to be divided on this issue," said Mrs. Brown. "The Church's teachings are clear. Abortion is murder and anyone who supports it should not scandalize the Body and Blood of Christ by receiving Holy Communion in the Catholic Church."
Since the Crusade for the Defense of Our Catholic Church's launch in January 2003, it has conducted numerous ad campaigns, organized protests, and activated Catholics across the country. The program is designed to encourage Catholic bishops to act on this grave matter. Signed copies of the most recent petition will be presented to the bishops at their semi-annual meeting in June.
"Catholics in the public eye have a tremendous opportunity to defend the sanctity of each and every human being's life," said Mrs. Brown. "It's our hope that, with the guidance of the bishops, these Catholics will understand this truth and use their positions to protect innocent preborn babies."
Release issued: 2 Feb 07