How is publicly denying communion to a presidential candidate based on their stance on abortion not a politically motivated decision? The catholic church, and almost certainly this priest, gives communion to millions of people who are pro-choice every week. This was done publicly and for political reasons, it is obvious.
“Holy Communion signifies we are one with God, each other, and the Church. Our actions should reflect that. Any public figure who advocates for abortion places himself or herself outside of Church teaching.”
Why is this decision limited only to public figures? The priest is saying that any other member of the church who is pro-choice would have received communion. Biden doesn't get communion because he is politically, not personally, pro-choice and he is a public figure. One person is pro-choice and gets communion because they don't have political influence, and Biden is pro-choice and doesn't get communion because of his political influence. The priest is making a politically motivated decision.
The article also says that Biden doesn't personally support abortion but doesn't want to impose his view on others. So Biden isn't pro-choice in his personal beliefs, only in policy. The article shows that the priest made the decision to refuse communion only to a public figure because they would not impose the restriction of abortion onto others that don't share their belief.
Biden's view shows, at least in theory, a separation of church and state. If he were to choose to impose his belief and restrict access to abortions then that would be against a separation of church and state as it would be imposing a religious belief on all people, even those who do not follow that religion.
No one is "in favor" of abortion. People can be pro-choice, but nobody just wants abortions. Everyone knows this, to say anything different is being dishonest, but I'm not sure what to expect from someone who is now trying to preach on LPSG. I feel like this priest might have a problem with people being members of this website...