US bishops who would deny Eucharist named

Only four of about 300 bishops in the US have indicated they would deny pro-choice Catholic politicians the Eucharist in their dioceses, according to a survey by the US-based Catholic For a Free Choice (CFFC) group.

Controversy has surrounded the issue in recent months with the emergence of Mr John Kerry, a pro-choice Catholic politician who receives communion, as a front-runner to be the Democratic Party's presidential candidate.

The four bishops were named as Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz, Lincoln diocese in Nebraska; Archbishop Raymond Burke, St Louis, Missouri; Bishop Thomas Galante, Camden diocese in New Jersey; and Bishop Michael Sheridan, Colorado Springs.

In a statement Ms Frances Kissling, president of CFFC, said: "The remainder appear to be more prudent, understanding that Catholics have a right in canon law to receive the sacraments and that there is no infallible teaching on how to vote on either abortion or other controversial issues in America, such as the war in Iraq or the death penalty."

She said published guidelines from the US bishops "do not restrict pro-choice Catholic politicians from receiving communion, receiving honours or speaking at church-sponsored events".

CFFC research also indicated that, currently, 14 US bishops had encouraged Catholic policymakers to abstain from communion because of their pro-choice position, while 18 made it clear that they would not deny anyone the Eucharist, or that it would be the very last resort.