Martin's Archbishop Clarifies...

Paul Martin's Archbishop has finally released a statement explaining his position on the ex-communication and denial of communion to the Prime Minister:

He did not personally bring his party to adopt this policy. He has come to the conclusion that it is according to the plan of God for him to accept to be the leader of his party and, in this arena, it is acceptable for him to represent its policies. As the leader of the party in power, he believes that his personal opinion is not relevant to his role as leader. While I do not agree either with his argument or his conclusion on same sex marriage, I do not think, at this time, his position merits refusing him communion.

The reason for all this confusion is that Bishop Henry from Alberta has said before that if Paul Martin were in his diocese - he would not allow him to receive communion. I think Bishop Henry kind of sees the denial of communion as something to shock someone into action. A kind of slap up side the head when it comes to your soul.

I don't think anyone has suggested that Paul Martin be ex-communicated. Though it was well for the archbishop in my opinion to clarify his position on it. Rumours were swirling around questioning his loyalty to Rome, and everything else that whent along with it. I was under the impression that Paul Martin's local parish priest was in favour of same sex marriage. The Catholic Church needs to get better at these types of things. Relations with the media is never an easy task, but not saying anything only allows the media to hunt down rumours and inuendos.

Now that the archbishop has explained the way he sees the situation I can understand now how delusional Paul Martin has become. If Paul Martin doesn't believe in Same Sex Marriage he has a duty to say so. It's like John Kerry's famous "I'm personally opposed..." Catholic politicians need to stand up for Catholic teachings. If they don't they are shirking their moral duty. And it sets a horrible example.

The situation may not merit Paul Martin to be denied communion, but it does merit for him to snap out it, and stand up for what he believes - if he actually believes it. It's not easy for me, and it sure couldn't be easy for Paul Martin, but it's his moral duty as a Catholic and a Christian to do so.