GRAPES? (via obc):

Martin may face Vatican's wrath (SANDRO CONTENTA, 9/30/05, Toronto Star)

Roman Catholic bishops gathering for the first synod under Pope Benedict XVI will consider refusing communion to politicians who pass laws that violate church doctrine.

The discussions are especially relevant to Canadian politicians, including Prime Minister Paul Martin, who recently spearheaded a bill allowing gay marriage — a move strongly opposed by the Catholic Church.

Canadian bishops interviewed by the Toronto Star say the issue of withholding communion from some politicians will be raised as part of a larger discussion on the worthiness of Catholics who present themselves for the sacrament.

"The faithful frequently receive holy communion without even thinking that they might be in the state of mortal sin," says a working document the bishops will take into the three-week synod, which begins Sunday.

It's not as if Canada were still part of Christendom.

Posted by Orrin Judd at October 1, 2005 6:21 AM