Catholic bishops split over Biden

US ROMAN Catholic bishops are due this week to discuss whether politicians, including President Joe Biden, should receive Communion while supporting abortion and LGBTQI rights, a debate that has divided the clergy.

As the second Catholic to serve as US president, Biden, a Democrat, has alarmed some church leaders by supporting same-sex marriage and abortion rights – views they say are antithetical to church teachings.

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops will decide on Communion, a sacrament central to the Roman Catholic faith. It could be a strong rebuke of those who espouse views contrary to church teachings, including Biden who support same-sex marriage and abortion rights.

Biden has become a staunch advocate for LGBTQ rights in the past decade. Since taking office in January, he has also rolled back federal restrictions on abortion pills and proposed axing a ban on federal funding for abortion.

A Pew Research poll shows 67% of US Catholics believe Biden’s views should not disqualify him from Communion.