Archbishop suggests that sinners can receive Holy Communions

I was always taught that one should not receive Holy Communion unless one was in a state of grace and I still believe that the sacrament of confession is the jewel in the crown of Catholic sacraments. For that reason I usually receive Communion at Easter & Christmas, preceded by a good confession of sins.

However, arising from a recent interview by Archbishop Eamon Martin, it appears that I have been misled.

This arises in the context of the abortion question, where Catholic teaching explicitly forbids this practice & prohibits those who facilitate it  from receiving  sacraments. However, the Archbishop has declared  he would not refuse communion to politicians who voted in favour of last year's abortion legislation.

He didn't even insist on the pre-condition that they repent of their vote and confess their sin.  Is it now reasonable to assume that one does not have to confess one's sins before receiving Holy Communion. The Archbishop would appear to answer in the affirmative.

Eric Conway

Balreask Village,

Navan,

Co. Meath.