A Catholic church denied 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden Holy Communion during the service due to his support for abortion.
While on the campaign trail, Biden tried to attend a private mass at Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Florence, South Carolina. The service was led by Father Robert E. Morey, who confirmed on Monday that he did not allow the former vice president to participate in Holy Communion during the Sunday service.
“Sadly, this past Sunday, I had to refuse Holy Communion to former Vice President Joe Biden,” Morey said.
Morey explained that Biden’s support for abortion access in the United States is not in line with the church’s teachings.
“Holy Communion signifies we are one with God, each other, and the [Catholic] Church,” he said. “Our actions should reflect that. Any public figure who advocates for abortion places himself or herself outside of [Catholic] Church teaching.”
The priest explained he is praying for Biden but needed to make the right decision for his church.
Biden’s position on abortion has flipped several times. While in the Senate, he supported the Hyde Amendment which prevents taxpayer funding for abortion. In his presidential bid, however, he announced opposition to the Hyde Amendment, claiming, “Times have changed.”
He has also suggested codifying Roe v. Wade into law to protect access to abortion.
