I’ve been button-holing bishops here in Baltimore at the USCCB meeting, asking about religion, politics, and the incoming Democratic administration.

Here’s my brief interview with Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington, who may be on the hot seat now with Vice-president elect Joe Biden moving to town.

Question: Vice-president Biden elect will most probably be moving to Washington. What will be the archdiocese’s policy with regard to him receiving Communion at local Masses?

Wuerl: We have always taken the position of the majority of the bishops-that we present the teachings of the Church and the expectations on one’s conscience, and it’s up to the individual to make the judgement about their worthiness to receive Communion. As a conference we have (produced) a number of documents that detail just how significant receiving Communion is, and today we are very conscious of the fact that there is scrutiny of public figures, and so they have to be aware of their actions and obligations in the public forum.

Question: Do you think you will be under pressure to take a more restrictive stance on Biden because he supports legalized abortion in some circumstances?

Wuerl: Shouldn’t our focus be on, What are the issues that we’re trying to change in our culture, rather than who is receiving Communion and who isn’t? When you get into that, you begin to lose focus on the issues that we’re talking about. Certainly it is the responsibility of the church to help people-not just public figures but everyone-appreciate the moral teachings of the Church.