Quote:US Catholic bishops overwhelmingly approved the drafting of a “teaching document” that many of them hope will rebuke Catholic politicians, including President Biden, for receiving Communion despite their support for abortion rights.

The result of the vote — 168 in favor and 55 against — was announced Friday near the end of a three-day meeting of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops that was held virtually.

The bishops had cast their votes privately on Thursday after nearly three hours of impassioned debate.

Supporters of the measure said a strong rebuke of Biden was needed because of his recent actions protecting and expanding abortion access, while opponents warned that such action would portray the bishops as a partisan force during a time of bitter political divisions across the country.

As a result of the vote, the USCCB’s doctrine committee will draft a statement on the meaning of Communion in the life of the church that will be submitted for consideration at a future meeting, probably an in-person gathering in November.

One section of the document is intended to include a specific admonition to Catholic politicians and other public figures who disobey church teaching on abortion and other core doctrinal issues.

Bishop Donald Hying of Madison, Wisconsin, said during Thursday’s debate that he speaks with many people who are confused by a Catholic president who advances “the most radical pro-abortion agenda in history,” and action from the bishops’ conference is needed.

“They’re looking for direction,” Hying said.

Quote: Priest says ‘cowardice’ of bishops to blame for Biden’s embrace of abortion

An Arizona priest said the “bad catechesis and cowardice” of the bishops is to blame for a pro-abortion Catholic occupying the White House.

In a recent homily, Fr. William Kosco of Buckeye, Ariz., said President Joe Biden’s political views are “diametrically opposed to all of the basic moral principles that are proclaimed by the Roman Catholic Church.”

Biden is the nation’s second Catholic president and frequently describes himself as a “devout Catholic.” The Catholic Church teaches that abortion is an “abominable crime” that is “gravely contrary to the moral law.”

“Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable,” the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, noting that Catholics who procure abortions are automatically excommunicated.

“He’s the most powerful man in the world and he is absolutely opposed to the basic understanding that God is the author of life,” Kosco observed. “How in the world did this happen? You want an answer? I’ll tell you the answer: because our bishops have been silent for 60 years through bad catechesis and cowardice.”