In his new book "The Truth (with Jokes)," Al Franken addresses public issues and people, including St. Louis Archbishop Raymond Burke. Mr. Franken alleges that Archbishop Burke is a hypocrite because he forbade U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., from receiving Holy Communion during the 2004 presidential campaign, yet he has not acted similarly regarding pro-abortion Republicans, such as Rudy Giuliani and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
In fact, Archbishop Burke's policy, solidly rooted in Church teaching and canon law, applies equally to Democrats and Republicans. The archbishop is responsible only for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Mr. Kerry became an issue when he campaigned in St. Louis in 2004. Mr. Giuliani and Mr. Schwarzenegger have not made political sojourns to St. Louis. If they or other pro-abortion Republicans do, Archbishop Burke will respond evenhandedly.
Archbishop Burke was rightly concerned with the scandal that could result from allowing a public figure to receive Communion when he is committed to upholding abortion rights. Archbishop Burke was concerned with the spiritual well-being of Mr. Kerry.
In future commentary on the Church or Archbishop Burke, we hope Mr. Franken is more committed to reporting the truth. No joke.
Thomas J. Nash
Steubenville, Ohio
Director of Special Projects,
Catholics United for the Faith
This site is dedicated to promoting and defending the Catholic Faith, in union with Christ and His Church and in union with the authentic Holy Father, the faithful successor of St. Peter.
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