Archbishop Burke clarifies stance, causes more turmoil

If you are a Catholic and you have voted for a politician who supports abortion rights, the St. Louis archbishop says you have committed a grave sin in the eyes of your church. You are no longer in a state of grace, and you may not accept Communion before confessing your sinful vote.

In a radio interview with Charlie Brennan on KMOX Thursday, Burke clarified his position that Roman Catholics in his archdiocese who vote for candidates supportive of abortion rights should confess their sin in order to receive Communion.

Once again, Abp. Burke makes it perfectly clear that supporting pro-aborts is a grave sin requiring the Sacrament of Penance BEFORE one may receive Holy Communion. Had bishops been speaking out on this issue for the past 30 years, there would not be these comments from people who are in such a pitiable state of confusion about right and wrong. Here is a sampling of the quotes from confused 'Catholics':

"Wow, that's a hard one, that's touchy," said Adriana Mendoza, a 24-year-old graduate student who was visiting St. Louis from Austin, Texas. "I couldn't vote for someone who was just pro-life if I didn't agree with them on other issues.

Kevin Walker, 34, of South County, was more direct. "That issue is a sore spot with me and the archbishop," he said. "It's a great imposition for the church to tell me that how I vote could be a sin. I just don't agree with his stance on this."

"Burke is pushing so far right that he is driving any moderate or left-of-center Catholics to the Episcopal church," said Dr. Ronald Modras, professor of theological studies at St. Louis University. "What he's saying is that anyone who votes for a Democrat is committing a mortal sin."

Fred Wessels, D-13th Ward, voiced concerns about single-issue voting. "I have a problem with the archbishop on this," he said. "I think people should look at a broad range of issues when they vote. Frankly, I don't think they have to go to confession over who they vote for."

"The church has been insensitive and its leadership has been insensitive. The church needs to change with the times," said William Lacy Clay, Jr, U.S. Rep.D-St. Louis.

These people are all saying, in effect, "Not God's will, but my own will be done." They are either so confused that they can not recognize evil, or they are so defiant to the point of rejecting Christ.

Please pray for Archbishop Burke and all of our good bishops who preach the truth even in the midst of rebellion.

Post Dispatch Article.