N.J. Governor Denied Communion

CAMDEN, N.J. – The incoming leader of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden has decided that Gov. James E. McGreevey cannot receive communion.

The Most Rev. Joseph Galante said Thursday that he was taking the stance primarily because the divorced governor, who is Catholic, remarried without receiving a church annulment. He also cited McGreevey's support of abortion rights, stem-cell research and other positions that contradict church views.

Galante, who was to be installed Friday during a Mass at St. Agnes Church in Blackwood, said he felt duty bound to take a hard-line stance on the issue. He said the public becomes confused about church teachings when bishops fail to challenge Catholic politicians on their voting records.

When asked what would happen if McGreevey attended the installation ceremony and asked to receive communion, Galante said: "I'd give him a blessing (instead). In his case, he can't go to communion."

Diocesan officials said McGreevey had told them he planned to attend the ceremony. But that was disputed by Micah Rasmussen, the governor's spokesman, who said McGreevey had never planned to appear at the Mass.

Rasmussen would not comment on Galante's decision, which comes just weeks after Trenton Bishop John Smith declared that McGreevey was "not a devout Catholic" because of his political record.

McGreevey, a former altar boy who attended parochial schools and goes to Mass, has said he considers himself to be devout.

However, he believes he must follow his own conscience when making governmental decisions. He will not say whether he receives communion, calling it a personal matter.

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