UK MP told Communion will be refused over assisted dying vote

Liberal Democrat MP Chris Coghlan, who represents Dorking and Horley in Surrey, voted for The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which was approved at its third reading in the House of Commons on June 20 by 314 votes to 291. He also voted for the Bill at its second reading last year.

Fr Ian Vane, the pastor of St Joseph’s Catholic church in Dorking, told parishioners at two Masses on June 22 that Mr Coughlan would not be able receive Communion. The MP was not present on either occasion.

In a radio interview, Mr Coghlan described his “public naming and shaming” at the Masses as “pretty horrific”, reported The Pillar. He said the priest’s actions raised “fundamental questions around the interference of religious authorities in politics, because I am a Liberal Democrat member of Parliament. I am here to represent my constituents. I am not here to represent the Catholic Church”.

Mr Coghlan said he had spoken with Bishop Richard Moth, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, The Pillar reported. The MP said that Bishop Moth told him that the Church should not deny Communion over the issue.

The diocese said Bishop Moth spoke to Mr Coghlan and offered to meet him in person to discuss the issues and concerns raised. The bishop has been a vocal opponent of The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill and had previously asked Catholics in his diocese to write to their MPs to oppose it.

Mr Coghlan said Fr Vane contacted him some time before the third reading of the Bill, stating that if he voted for the legislation then Fr Vane would not be able to give him Communion.

Canon 915 of the Code of Canon Law states: “Those upon whom the penalty of excommunication or interdict has been imposed or declared, and others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin, are not to be admitted to Holy Communion.” Mr Coghlan has not been excommunicated.

In 2014, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales emailed parliamentarians after same-sex marriage legislation was passed in the UK Parliament the previous year.

“There are no plans by any bishops in England and Wales to deny Communion to Catholic MPs or peers who voted in favour of same-sex marriage legislation last year,” the email said.

FULL STORY

MP denied Communion says priest’s actions not endorsed by local bishop (Catholic Herald)

How does Canon Law apply to Holy Communion standoff between priest and MP? (Catholic Herald)