Most people are aware that Europe tends not to be very pro-life. And a politician in Ireland has experienced firsthand that his actions do indeed have consequences, particularly within religious institutions that uphold certain values.
According to an article by LifeNews, “Fine Gael TD [an Irish Parliamentary member] Colm Burke voted in favor of repealing the Eighth Amendment, which had provided legal protection for unborn children.”
Last Friday, Burke attended a funeral at Whitechurch in Blarney parish, where three priests were distributing communion. He recounted that he was refused communion himself for supporting abortion.
“He gave me a blessing. I advised him that I was here to receive holy communion, and he said you are not getting holy communion,” Burke said.
“He then leaned forward and said, ‘You have been excommunicated’. This was in front of the family. I decided there was no point in any further discussion as it wasn’t appropriate, so I moved off at that stage,” Burke added.
The fact that Burke is surprised by this incident demonstrates his disregard for the beliefs held by the faith he professes to hold, and his blindness to the consequences of his own actions. Abortion is clearly condemned by the Catholic Church, and he should be aware of that.
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According to a report by the Irish Examiner, Father Burke, the priest who refused to give Colm Burke communion, stated, "The politician had voted for abortion and knew that according to the teaching of the Catholic Church, any politician who votes for it cannot receive Holy Communion."
In a world where societal pressures often prevail, it is reassuring to see that this Catholic church in Ireland still upholds the belief that life is precious and that anyone who supports legislation contrary to this belief should face consequences such as excommunication.
