A Single Denial to Give Communion That Echoed Around the World

There is a tragic script that constantly plays everywhere. Abortion, same-sex “marriage,” or assisted suicide legislation advances in parliaments worldwide. The nation’s bishops issue a weak statement against these measures. Liberal Catholic politicians vote in favor of these immoral laws. These politicians then continue in good standing in their parishes, receiving Holy Communion. Church officials then wonder why devotion to the Holy Eucharist is waning.

It is a tired old script that causes scandal among countless Catholics and sends the message that evil public acts have no consequences. It treats Holy Communion as a mere practice without regard for the Real Presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Changing the Script

However, something extraordinary happened recently. One Catholic priest dared to change the script—and all hell broke loose. Worldwide, headlines announced and denounced the principled stand. Such ruckus, however, did not shake his position. The priest doubled down in his honorable defense of the Holy Eucharist.

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The story began when Father Ian Vane of the parish of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dorking, England, took notice that one of his parishioners, Member of Parliament Chris Coghlan, would be voting on a bill legalizing assisted suicide at the end of June.

Four days before the vote, Fr. Vane had sent an email to the legislator warning him that a vote for the bill would make him an “obstinate public sinner.” The priest said that he would then be forced to deny Holy Communion to him as it would cause scandal to the faithful.

The warning fell on deaf ears. The House of Commons passed the bill with a narrow 23-vote margin. It will now be read in the House of Lords, where it can be delayed but not stopped. Mr. Coghlan’s vote was decisive in making this grave moral evil legal in the nation.

Fr. Vane Responds

In response, Fr. Vane made good on his promise. The following Sunday, he took action. He publicly announced from the pulpit at every Mass that he could not give the politician Holy Communion since he had breached canon law.

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Canon 915 in the Code of Canon Law says those “obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion.”

The duly warned Mr. Coghlan immediately took to the media and denounced his pastor. He even called the bishop to complain about his treatment, despite the bishop having encouraged Catholics to write to the legislator asking him to vote against the measure.

Denouncing Intolerance

Soon, the decision was featured in papers around the world, denouncing the pastor’s intolerance and suggesting that the Church change its position and doctrine. Others suggested that the pastor should take a more “pastoral” position.

Instead of changing the priest’s decision, the legislator’s fury only unmasked his lack of understanding of what it means to be Catholic.

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“For Catholic authorities to expect me as a Catholic to put the Catholic Church before my constituents is utterly illegitimate,” Mr. Coglan railed. He further stated he had serious doubts about certain parts of the Church’s teaching and might be leaving the Church for a while.

For now, he says he does not know if he will continue as a Catholic. It will depend on “how I am feeling in a year’s time or so.”

The Bishops Opposition

The nation’s bishops had written pastoral letters urging Catholics to pressure their MPs to oppose this barbaric law. However, they did not propose any sanctions if Catholic legislators voted for assisted suicide. Such a weak position made such a vote without consequences.

Mr. Coghlan claims to have spoken with the local Bishop Richard Moth, who said, “It is not the Church’s position to deny Holy Communion over this.”

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He mistook this personal comment as a reversal of Fr. Van’s decision to follow Canon Law. Indeed, the diocese has yet to issue a public statement questioning Fr. Vane’s action.

True Love of the Blessed Sacrament

It took the seriousness of a priest with love for the Blessed Sacrament to challenge the usual script and affirm Church teaching. His brave stand was heard around the world. He broke the evil consensus that says one cannot deny Holy Communion to someone who scandalizes others.

The liberal media could not believe that someone would threaten the liberal position. Legislators found out they do not enjoy immunity under the Church’s canon law. On the other hand, this supreme act of charity toward Mr. Coghan edified the Catholic faithful. The priest had prevented the unworthy receiving of the Blessed Sacrament publicly. He had given the legislator an opportunity to repent.

If only there were more such priests! Then the world would see just how powerful the Church’s position is in preventing immoral legislation from destroying society. Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament would then grow since people would see the immense importance that the Church gives to Our Lord’s Real Presence among the faithful.

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