Springfield | Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield has barred Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton from receiving Communion in the Diocese for their efforts to ensure the passage of Senate Bill 25, the Reproductive Health Act (RHA), and House Bill 40, An Act Concerning Abortion. Any Catholic lawmakers who voted for the abortion bills are also banned from receiving Communion in the Diocese.
In a June 2 decree, Bishop Paprocki said Madigan and Cullerton, “are not to be admitted to Holy Communion in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois because they have obstinately persisted in promoting the abominable crime and very grave sin of abortion as evidenced by the influence they exerted in their leadership roles and their repeated votes and obdurate public support for abortion rights over an extended period of time.”
He continued, “The Eucharist is the most sacred aspect of our Catholic faith. To support legislation that treats babies in the womb like property, allowing for their destruction for any reason at any time, is evil. It’s my prayer these lawmakers reconcile themselves.”
RHA repeals several long-standing restrictions on abortion and declares the choice to have an abortion a “fundamental right.” It also requires insurance companies to provide abortion coverage. HB 40, passed last year, requires tax payer funds to cover the cost of abortions for state workers and Medicaid patients.
In a June 6 statement, Paprocki said, “in issuing this decree, I anticipate that some will point out the Church’s own failings with regard to the abuse of children.
“The same justifiable anger we feel toward the abuse of innocent children, however, should prompt an outcry of resistance against legalizing the murder of innocent children. The failings of the Church do not change the objective reality that the murder of a defenseless baby is an utterly evil act.
RHA is awaiting the Governor JB Pritzker’s signature.
– additional reporting from Catholic News Agency