Thread by @jackmjenkins

Didn't take long for Biden to show up at this USCCB meeting: Retired Bishop Michael Pfeifer asks to add a separate discussion of Biden's abortion initiatives, which he argues amount to "infanticide."

…But he's told he *can't* introduce a motion, bc he's retired. #USCCB21

There's now discussion of a proposal by Bishop Mitchell Rozanski of St. Louis, who asks for every bishop to be given unrestricted time to speak during the debate over the Eucharistic document. #USCCB21

Bishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, who has said Biden "shouldn't present himself for communion," speaks out against allowing unrestricted time for the debate, calling it a "stalling tactic."

Source for that Naumann quote: washingtonpost.com/religion/2021/…

Bishop John Stowe of Kentucky throws (rhetorical) bombs back at a string of speakers opposing the motion, supporting it and noting that USCCB prez Gomez didn't mention the *other* Vatican letter in his intro cautioning against having this entire conversation. #USCCB21

Bishop Shawn McKnight joins Stowe in backing the motion, noting the Vatican letter and arguing that those calling the effort a stalling tactic should consider the way the Eucharist convo was brought to the agenda in the first place, which he called "problematic."

Cardinal Cupich weighs in: Backs Rozanksi's motion, says comments of other bishops have "colored perception of this document," brings up Vatican/Ladaria's letter, and says bishops should have conversations with politicians who back abortion rights.

Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, the loudest voice in favor of denying communion to politicians who back abortion rights, weighs in mostly on a technical issue, arguing that discussions will have to be time-limited no matter what.

USCCB President Gomez is now asking to end the conversation — although 7 are waiting to speak — and they're voting on the motion.

Rozanski's motion fails, with 59% opposed. #USCCB21

They're now voting on the entire agenda.

It passes, with 89% approval.

Oh interesting: Vatican/Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Christophe Pierre offers remarks that may sound mundane in other contexts, but feel charged given the communion debate.

E.g.: "We are not a church of the perfect, but in need of the mercy offered generously by Christ." #USCCB21

Maybe it's just me, but this seems unusually long for a nuncio talk? #USCCB21

In his presidential address, Gomez argues forces in culture "threaten not only the unity of the human family, but also the very truth about God’s creation and human nature."

Says it "falls to the Church" to "defend the truth about God the Creator…" (cont.)

"…and the truth about the sanctity of the human person and the unity of the human family in God’s plan for creation."

They are now taking a 10-minute break, and the livestream has kicked on the smooth jazz.