Biden’s bishop

On Nov. 4, one of Bishop William Francis Malooly’s parishioners, Joe Biden, was elected the nation’s first Catholic vice president. With Biden’s support for some legalization of abortion, U.S. Catholics are sure to watch how Malooly, installed in September as Bishop of Wilmington, Del., handles this tricky pastoral task, I grabbed Malooly, who is here […]

On Nov. 4, one of Bishop William Francis Malooly’s parishioners, Joe Biden, was elected the nation’s first Catholic vice president. With Biden’s support for some legalization of abortion, U.S. Catholics are sure to watch how Malooly, installed in September as Bishop of Wilmington, Del., handles this tricky pastoral task,

I grabbed Malooly, who is here in Baltimore for a meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, to ask his thoughts on the matter.

Have you met with Vice-president elect Biden since the election?


I have not. We spoke the night before my installation and said we’d like to get together, but between the two of us, he’s got the tougher schedule.

You’ve criticized some Biden’s statements on church teaching, what will be your policy with him going forward, specifically with regard to him receiving Communion in your diocese?

Everyone knew where I was coming from when I was installed. In my homily, and in my pastoral experience, I have always said that I expect Catholics in the electorate, in my diocese, to consider life issues primary in their voting and listen to what the Catholic Church teaches. With regard to the theology of the church, I have to teach. Any public official, whether he’s a ballplayer or a politician, has to form his own conscience and heart in accordance with that teaching.

Is there a bright line for you, that if Biden crosses-such as throwing his weight behind embryonic stem cell research-that would cause you to deny him Communion in your diocese?

I haven’t thought that far ahead. This is somewhat of a new role for me, but I am conscious of the teaching role of this position.

What would you say to those Catholics who argue that it’s incumbent on you to protect church teaching by denying Biden Communion?

I respect what they have to say about being concerned for the sacrament but I have to follow my own conscience. I have be sure … not to alienate one of the Catholics for whom I am responsible.


Donate to Support Independent Journalism!

Donate Now!