New Mexico state senator denied Communion over voting record

[left-of-center2012]

LAS CRUCES, N.M. -
A New Mexico state senator, Sen. Joe Cervantes, said he was denied Communion at his home church in Las Cruces because of his political position.

"I was denied communion last night by the Catholic bishop here in Las Cruces and based on my political office. My new parish priest has indicated he will do the same after the last was run off. Please pray for church authorities as Catholicism transitions under Pope Francis," Cervantes wrote in a tweet.

A Diocese of Las Cruces spokesperson said they would normally never discuss personal pastoral issues like this. However, since Sen. Cervantes spoke openly about it, they will too. The diocese said their bishop's decision to deny Communion was based on Sen. Cervantes’ voting record. “This is (on) a vote for Senate Bill 10, so what we would consider pro-abortion legislation, and abortion is something that goes against the Catholic teaching of the church,” said Christopher Velasquez, the communications director of the Diocese of Las Cruces.

Senate Bill 10 was passed during the last legislative session, repealing the abortion ban in New Mexico. Sen. Cervantes voted in favor of the bill.

https://www.kob.com/albuquerque-news/new-mexico-state-senator-denied-communion-over-voting-record/6177987/?cat=516

[Wounded Bear]

1. The Catholic Church has always been involved in politics...

Hell, that was what Martin Luther and the Reformation was all about. Europe spent most of the 17th Century fighting over which church could influence which country's politics.

Tax the churches.

[quaint]

2. +++ Tax the churches.

[Sherman A1]

3. Yup

That’s what needs to happen.

[The Magistrate]

4. Whited Sepulchres

https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2018/11/08/las-cruces-catholic-diocese-sexual-abuse-scandal-child-new-mexico-attorney-general-hector-balderas/1933479002/

It's a shame this bishop hasn't got a pimp for a brother. Then he'd have someone to look up to for morale example. Short of a prosperity gospel grifter, I cannot think off-hand of anyone or anything I would be less likely to look to for moral guidance than Catholic clergy.

[Thomas Hurt]

5. What next blasphemy laws and christofascist religious police

[dalton99a]

6. U.S. Catholic bishops are fascist scum.

[mnhtnbb]

7. And pedophiles.

Total hypocrites with their holier than thou attitude.

[left-of-center2012]

9. Here in New Mexico ...

The Catholic Church filed bankruptcy to get out of having to pay when being sued for sexual abuse.

[sarcasmo]

8. Tax the church.

[SharonClark]

10. Cervantes should say to Valasquez. . .

"Who died and elected you Pope?" or maybe "Have you been arrested on pedofile charges yet?" But I'm sure he's more judicious in his word choice than I would be.

[Takket]

11. To Mr Cervantes...

Your religion just sent you a message Loud and clear. And that same message has been sent to everyone else. GET OUT of the religion. You don’t need it.

[Jakes Progress]

12. Since the Catholic Church wants to be a political group

we need to begin taxing its revenues.
And they need to report all donations as political contributions.

[Jakes Progress]

13. You know they could actually save lives.

They could demand that each parishioner get vaccinated and wear masks or be excommunicated.

But saving lives that way doesn't bring in the money.

[gratuitous]

14. Does the Bishop deny communion to other politicians as well?

I believe the Catholic teaching of the church has some very pointed and definite precepts about feeding the hungry, taking care of the sick, and otherwise succoring the needs of the poor. Does the Bishop withhold communion from politicians who vote against social welfare legislation? If not, why not?