Why are US Catholic Bishops trying to rebuke Joe Biden for receiving Communion?
THE United States Conference of Catholic Bishops raised questions about whether the Church will publicly rebuke President Biden for his abortion position. The bishops decided to proceed with a new plan that could deny communion to some public figures, a policy that could have ramifications for the President among others. A vote was put to the conference during an online meeting on Friday to decide whether to go forward with a plan to deny communion to any figures who have publicly expressed support for abortion rights. In a vote of 168 to 55, the conference voted to advance the plan, opening up the possibility for the Eucharist to be redefined in a new report. Bishop Donald Hying of Madison, Wisconsin said that Catholics are confused by a fellow Catholic president who supports "the most radical pro-abortion agenda in history." The passing vote sends the plan to the Doctrine Committee of US Bishops to be drafted. The plan sets up the potential for US Bishops to publicly rebuke the President and other pro-choice Catholic politicians. The Chairman of the conference, Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, said it is not within the committee's power to target individuals, Fox News reports. "That's a decision of his bishop. That is not the task of our committee to look at individuals." When Biden was asked about the results of the vote the next day, he told reporters, "That's a private matter and I don't think it's going to happen." 4 Biden previously supported the abortion-restricting Hyde Amendment Credit: Getty  Biden is the second Catholic president to hold office after JFK. The President is publicly religious and attends mass frequently, and went to Catholic schools growing up. Biden has expressed his support for abortion because although he adheres to the Church's position on the issue in his personal life, he would not force it upon others. During the 2012 vice presidential debate, Biden said: "Life begins at conception. That's the church's judgment. I accept it in my personal life. "But I refuse to impose it on equally devout Christians and Muslims and Jews. I just refuse to impose that on others." 4 Biden said he does not think he will be denied communion Credit: AP  Most read in News THEY'RE BACK First 'murder hornet' sighting of year as experts warn of 'serious danger' ON THE RUN Manhunt as cops search for driver who 'left two dead in hit-and-run & shooting' TENSE PENCE Ex-VP gets BOOED at conservative event where crowd appears to chant 'traitor' Exclusive MEGA DEAL Meg & Harry paid 486k per MINUTE for Spotify but sources insist deal 'on track' 'LITERALLY KILLING US' Mayor declares racism public health crisis & gives $10m to fight it FOREIGN FRIENDS Putin insists Biden doesn't have dementia & says 'he never misses a detail'  However, Biden faced backlash during his run for the presidency in 2019 when he initially expressed support for the anti-abortion Hyde Amendment. The Hyde Amendment dictated that the majority of federal funds could not go towards abortion procedures. Later in the race, Biden walked back his support in response to criticism from other Democrats.