Archbishop of DC: Joe Biden 'is not demonstrating Catholic teaching'

Cardinal Wilton Gregory, archbishop of Washington, D.C., said at a luncheon that Joe Biden's position on abortion was not in line with Catholic teaching, a criticism that has been leveled at the president repeatedly since his term began.

Gregory spoke at the National Press Club on Wednesday, taking questions from attendees about theology, politics, and Catholic belief. At one point during the presentation, Gregory was asked to comment on Biden's statements that he does not believe life begins at conception despite being a Catholic.

"Last week, President Biden said he did not agree that life begins at conception," the emcee said, reading an audience question. "Were you surprised to hear that and can you clarify the church's teaching on when life begins?"

"The Catholic Church teaches, and has taught, that life — human life — begins at conception," Gregory told listeners. "So, the president is not demonstrating Catholic teaching."

BIDEN WON'T BE DENIED COMMUNION AT HIS DC CHURCH

Gregory's statement comes after Biden said Friday that despite understanding the mindsets of those who believe life begins at conception, he does not agree — a fundamental change from his stance in 2015.

“I respect people who think that, who don’t support Roe v. Wade. I respect their views,” Biden said. “I respect them, they, those who believe life begins at the moment of conception and all. I respect that. Don’t agree, but I respect that. I’m not going to impose that on people.”

Biden has made his Catholic faith a cornerstone of his public image, often being photographed clutching rosary beads and attending church with his family. However, the president's policies have drifted away from the Catholic Church slowly over the decades, now butting heads with religious leaders over social issues such as abortion and gay marriage.

Catholic bishops in the United States have struggled to muster up a meaningful or substantive response to baptized Catholic politicians breaking from the flock on key social teachings.

After public outcry regarding Biden's continued reception of the Eucharist at Mass, something the church teaches should only be done by someone free from grave sin, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops voted to investigate and readdress the distribution of the Eucharist to Catholic politicians who are actively pursuing policies against church teaching. However, a protocol or command for parish priests has not been given.

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Rep. Ted Lieu, a California Democrat, jumped into the Eucharist controversy at the time, proudly listing via Twitter his beliefs that contradict the church despite being Catholic.

"Next time I go to Church, I dare you to deny me Communion," Lieu wrote to the bishops at the time.

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Tags: News, Washington D.C., Joe Biden, Catholicism, Catholic Church, Abortion

Original Author: Timothy Nerozzi

Original Location: Archbishop of DC: Joe Biden 'is not demonstrating Catholic teaching'