During the next three weeks, a gathering of Catholic bishops may consider denying Holy Communion to politicians who have ed the legalization of same-sex marriage. Although a practicing Catholic, Prime Minister Paul Martin has maintained that he will separate his personal beliefs from his duties as a politician.
In vowing to place his responsibilities as prime minister ahead of his faith, Martin has shown the kind of qualities we should expect in the leader of a representative liberal democracy. The separation of church and state has been a recent issue of contention. We have seen, time and time again, George W. Bush’s refusal to same-sex marriage or stem cell research because of
his own religious beliefs. We are thus fortunate to have in Martin, a politician who is able to acknowledge that in a diverse country such as Canada, it’s inappropriate and unfair for the Catholic church to dictate policy.
In response to the legalization of same-sex marriage, other MPs, including NDP MPs Charlie Angus and Joe Comartin, have also faced ostracization by their respective churches. However, Cardinal Marc Oullet told the Toronto Star, “You do not lose your right to belong to a community because you do not vote in the right way … We are all sinners in one way or another, so we have to be welcoming for all our . We are a community of sinners.” Martin’s own church, St. Jean de Brébeuf in Montreal, has also indicated it will continue to ister Holy Communion to him.
The Catholic church should reassess its decision to consider denying communion to politicians. The Vatican needs to recognize its parishioners’ daily realities rather than using its influence to push for a policy the majority of the population does not and considers to be in opposition to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Paul Martin’s recent decision to stand by his legalization of same-sex marriage, amidst suggestions that he could be denied Holy Communion, has shown great strength as a leader in his ability to differentiate between the needs of his constituents and his personal beliefs.
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