Sunshine Sentinel

Florida Catholics are speaking out against Catholic politicians-- including U.S. Rep. Darren Soto (D-Kissimmee)-- who are pro-abortion but still present themselves at Mass for Holy Communion.

The Catholics were responding to a November email survey by CatholicVote.org. They were unanimous in their criticism of the Florida politicians, describing their actions as heretical and damaging to the church.

“The church is clear on its pro-life teaching, so by presenting themselves for communion a public figure known to be pro-choice is bringing scandal to the church and creating confusion to fellow Christians,” said Shannon Hokula of Jacksonville.

“I believe such ‘self-proclaimed Catholics’ are not in Communion with the Church, The Body of Christ, and should voluntarily refrain from reception of Holy Communion,” said Eva Locke of Lake Worth.

“They really aren’t practicing Catholics if they continue to push these policies,” said Sarah Cimino of Tampa. “Forgiveness or not, they clearly don’t care about life.”

“They are practicing heresy, and have excommunicated themselves by their beliefs and actions,” said Brent Hobbs of Niceville.

Since his inauguration, President Joe Biden has regularly pitted himself against Catholic leaders over Catholic teachings on issues like abortion and sexuality. 

Archbishop Joseph Naumann, head of the U.S. Bishops’ pro-life committee, has said “[President Biden] likes to call himself a ‘devout’ Catholic. I would urge him to begin to act like one, especially on life issues."

In September 2021, Biden frankly admitted that he does not agree with the Catholic Church when it comes to the sanctity of life. 

“I respect those who believe life begins at the moment of conception,” Biden said. “I don’t agree, but I respect that.”

A June 2021 poll conducted by CatholicVote.org found that an overwhelming majority of Mass-going Catholics think that Catholic politicians who promote abortion should not receive Communion. 

It found 83% of Mass-going Catholics believe politicians who oppose Catholic teachings "create confusion and disunity" and 74% believe that they should not present themselves for communion.

Speaking with America Magazine in November, Catholic Democrat U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois complained of being denied Communion in his home diocese, near Springfield, Ill., due to his pro-abortion record. 

“It’s not a happy experience,” Durbin said, adding that he thought receiving Communion is “a personal decision” that should be open to almost “anybody if the person believes that they are worthy of it.”

The current U.S. Congress includes 158 Catholics, according to the Pew Forum. That's down from 168 in 2017 and up from 100 in 1961.

There are 85 Catholic Democrats in the U.S. House and 24 in the U.S. Senate. All are pro-abortion.