The broader issue as I understand it is that a number of people - both homosexual and
heterosexual - presented themselves for communion while publicly displaying their
disagreement with the church's teaching. It is important to note that they brought a media
entourage along with them which allowed for significant national publicity. If the
eucharist is in RC eyes primarily a sacrament which is grounded in and grounds our
unity/communion, then the celebration of the eucharist is not the place to express public
dissent. Other forums would be more appropriate for dialogue on church teaching - about
any matter [not simply sexual preference]. The general reaction up North (Brisbane) is
that the Bishop concerned was right to refuse communion to a group making a public and
publicised 'political' statement. I sincerely hope that I do not find myself in a similar
situation regarding this or any other issue.
Fr Damian McGrath
Redcliffe Australia
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