Although the issue of abortion is certain to arise as a point of contention between Tom Barrett and his Republican challenger for governor in the campaign this fall, don’t look for newly appointed Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki to add further fuel to the debate.
Barrett, a member of the Roman Catholic Church, supports a woman’s legal right to choose to have an abortion. His aspiring opponents, Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former Janesville Congressman Mark Neumann, are pro-life.
At the Milwaukee Press Club’s Newsmaker Luncheon this week, Listecki was asked if he has any plans to withhold communion from Barrett. Some archbishops have denied the serving of the sacraments to Catholic politicians who are pro-choice.
However, Listecki said he has no plans to forbid Barrett from taking communion. Listecki said he views the Eucharist as “the cure” for Catholics to receive forgiveness.
Listecki also said he reserves the right to make distinctions between those who may be pro-choice in their personal beliefs and those who would publicly advocate against the church for abortions. From his discussions with Barrett, Listecki said he does not foresee Barrett being such an advocate.
– BizTimes Milwaukee
