Banning Catholic politicians from taking Communion may have political overtones, but negative publicity sheds light on hypocritical leaders who campaign with false convictions. The vote for a new “teaching document” could serve as a wake up call to those in the Catholic faith who possess a benevolent view toward pro-choice and pro-LGBT lawmakers.
“More than 73% of bishops—or 168 to 55 with six abstentions—cast their ballots during a U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to report on the meaning of the Eucharist in the church,” according to one source. The vote could exclude President Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi from taking the Sacrament.
Reportedly, “One section of the [teaching] document is intended to include a specific admonition to Catholic politicians and other public figures who disobey church teachings on abortion and other core doctrinal issues. … Pew Research Center [found that] about 56% of U.S. Catholics surveyed said abortion should be legal in most or all cases, and 67% said Biden should be allowed to receive Communion during Mass.”
Another clash between church and state took place when Christians Engaged, a Texas-based nonprofit organization, was denied federal tax exemption. As they exist to educate Christian voters, they stand accused of “[engaging] in prohibited political campaign intervention,” the source quoted a letter sent to the organization by Stephen A. Maring, director of the IRS Office of Exemption Organizations Ruling and Agreements.
The source also said, “Maring noted that the group’s activities educate believers on national issues that are central to their belief in the Bible as the inerrant Word of God. Specifically, [they] educate Christians on what the Bible says in areas where they can be instrumental … teachings are typically affiliated with the [Republican] party and candidates.” The organization’s contact page says, “Christians Engaged is a 501(c)(3) educational Christian non-partisan non-profit.”
First, let’s establish that abortion is not mere disobedience to “church teachings.” Abortion is murder, which breaks the Sixth Commandment and carries the penalty of death for those who do not repent (see Ex. 20:13; Rom. 6:23).
Second, we know taking Communion is also a commandment from God (see 1 Cor. 11:23-25) for true believers only. “Therefore whoever eats this bread and drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body (1 Cor. 11:27-29).
The church, as a whole, must stop equating liturgy and organized religion with the person of Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the Lord our God. He is totally separate, above and beyond our piety and works. The physical act of taking Communion does not grant anyone entrance into the kingdom of God. However, this sacred ordinance was given by God as a sign of the new covenant, representing Christ’s body and bloodshed as the sacrifice for our sins.
Serving Communion to compromised politicians renders the bread and the cup an empty ritual; it makes a mockery of the faith in the public sphere. The bishops would do better to deliberate the corruption and lawlessness allowed in their churches. Holding Biden accountable for policies that incite crimes against humanity is the more critical matter at hand.
Finally, we should consider supporting organizations that are standing with truth and doing the work of legitimate activism alongside the Great Commission (see Matt. 28:19-20). Christians Engaged is training believers to discern policies and propaganda through the lens of Scripture. They are equipping people to cast their vote in ways that shift the culture toward the kingdom of God instead of a political party. Losing tax exemption status is a badge of honor any faith-based organization should willingly wear.
Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers should be actively building their faith by reading the Word, prayer and fasting. Every believer should do this in preparation for end time conflict.
One can pray for persecution to pass over, and it might. Still, if it comes crashing like a wave upon a public ministry or a private household, the wise disciples of Christ will be ready to walk on water. {eoa}
For more than a decade, Tiffany Benson’s passion for writing has exceeded most of her interests. When she’s not catching up on politics or watching documentaries, she enjoys journaling, fiction and contributing to her blog: bigviewsmallwindow.com.
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