Look what is happening in the U.K., Bishops are standing up and speaking up. On the heels of the courageous and clear stand by Cardinal Keith O’Brien that pro-abortion pols cut themselves off from communion, Peter Smith Archbishop of Cardiff in Wales backs him up. From Reuters:

Peter Smith said he would not bar them from taking communion, but he would expect the politician involved not to seek it.
…
“The church’s law is quite clear,” Smith said. “A priest or bishop is not permitted to refuse communion unless it is quite clear that the person has been excommunicated or there is a very public rejection of church teaching.”

I hope that Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor will follow suit. This clear and correct language is what is needed. Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor has said:

“I would urge all Catholics, especially those who hold positions of public responsibility, to educate themselves about the teaching of the church, and to seek pastoral advice so that they can make informed decisions with consistency and integrity.”

I am sorry, but that just doesn’t cut it. Maybe the leadership shown by Cardinal O’Brien and Archbishop Smith will give him the impetus he needs to speak more clearly. These wayward Catholics and the unborn deserve no less.