In recent news, I read that a South Carolina pastor refused to give Holy Communion to former VP Joe Biden over the opinion on abortion. I do not know the rules and traditions that this pastor and that church have regarding taking communion, so maybe that effects things. All he said in a statement to WPDE was that “Holy Communion signifies we are one with God, each other and the Church” and that “Our actions should reflect that.”

Do I necessarily agree with Joe Biden? Probably not. Do I also not agree with people in my own church family? Sure. That shouldn’t prevent a brother in Christ from partaking in an activity that is done in remembrance of Jesus. What would Jesus do?

At the church I attend, we have communion about every quarter, if not more. Those allowed to take part are those who have put faith in Jesus and have made a public profession of that faith through baptism.

The priest went onto say that “any public figure who advocates for abortion places himself or herself outside of Church teaching.” As someone who is a Christian, regardless of full understanding, Biden’s faith is being determined by his stance on one matter. Did Jesus not still include Judas at the Last Supper knowing that he would betray him? Why should we deny a brother solely on what is most likely a misunderstanding and misinterpretation of God’s will?

And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand.

Isaiah 64:8

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous – how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

Psalm 139:13-16

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

1 Colossians 3:15

What are your thoughts?