Bishop Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop of Kansas City, has issued a clear statement condemning recent moves to promote expanded abortion laws and warns Catholic politicians who persist in supporting this moral evil that they will be expected to refrain from receiving communion.

According to a statement published on the website of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Bishop Nauman, who serves as Chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, says that advocating for an intrinsically evil act such as abortion is a serious immoral act. He specifically referred to those Catholics officials who not only supported but celebrated expanded abortion laws, calling their actions “deplorable.”

“While we can object to the actions of these public officials, we are not able to judge their souls. At the same time, we know there will be a Judgment Day,” the bishop stated. “Conscious and unrepentant mortal sin endangers our eternal souls and places ourselves on a path to Hell. To receive our Eucharistic Lord, while in a state of mortal sin, only further jeopardizes the eternal fate of our souls.”

The only way to make amends is through sincere repentance, conversion of heart, and a genuine effort to make amends for the harm caused by the sin.

Bishop Naumann bravely stated his devotion to his flock, including those who have committed these actions; however, “I also have a serious obligation to protect other members of my flock from being misled by a seeming tolerance of the scandalous behavior of some Catholics in public life.”

While he fully intends to dialogue with these leaders, if he or she persists in these scandalous actions even after these extended talks, “I have found it necessary to request that they not present themselves to receive Holy Communion, for their own spiritual welfare and for the protection of many others from moral confusion.”

He concludes his statement by asking all Catholics to pray for those who ware involved in, or who advocate for, legalized abortion.

Wherever there is true repentance, our merciful God is ready to forgive!

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