The new Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh and next Catholic primate of Ireland Eamon Martin has said politicians
who “knowingly introduce legislation aiding and abetting abortion” should not
“approach [a priest] looking for communion”. See Sunday Times Report
In the clearest statement so far on the church’s position
Archbishop Eamon Martin, who will succeed Cardinal Seán Brady next year, said
legislators who support abortion are excommunicating themselves.
“You cannot regard yourself as a person of faith and support
abortion,” Martin said in an interview with The Sunday Times. “You cannot
believe you are with your church and directly help someone to procure an
abortion. This includes medical professionals and the legislators.
“If a legislator comes to me and says, ‘Can I be a faithful
Catholic and support abortion?’ I would say no. Your communion is ruptured if
you support abortion. You are excommunicating yourself. Any legislator who
clearly and publicly states this should not approach looking for communion.”
