Protestant communions are simply symbolic and frankly do not require the context of church or service to be effected. Any meal where Christ is respected and revered will do.

The only true understanding of our lord’s last supper and the communion rite is made manifest in Catholic churches. He gave it to the Apostles not as a metaphor not as a symbol, he gave it to them literally as his body and blood. In this way the Catholic churches offer it to everyone also.

You would do better to encourage Protestant brothers to join in Catholic RCIA programs and be baptized into the fullness of Christ.

“Therefore let us leave behind the basic teachings about Christ and advance to maturity”… Hebrews, 6:1

http://www.all.org/crusade/canon915.htm

“Can. 915 Those who have been excommunicated or interdicted after the imposition or declaration of the penalty and others obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to holy communion.”

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P39.HTM

Paul Martin would be denied communion as one “obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin”.

That is from the Pope this past week.
The synod bishops have to say what they are saying, it’s their job.
I can’t find out if this is a UN of bishops or Canadian bishops.
If it was a unified voice of Canadian bishops I guess Paul Martin wouldn’t be taking communion in Canada.
The church doesn’t rule the country, which is a good thing.
But I think if it actually came down to a synod or magisteruim or Holy See ruling, every Catholic involved with the bill should be under the ruling.
When the NDP member was denied communion by her priest and the bishop overruled recently the die was cast.
Paul Martin isn’t Henry VI.

I do understand your point of view though. How far do you go? I’m imagining it’s due to politicians being in the public and publically expressing these views: a member of the public could keep quiet. Interesting times…

I understand I cannot take communion in a Catholic church, and I respect that and don’t perceive that decision as a loss.

In this case if the Catholic Church is deciding whether or not to deny the PM then my protestant sensibility says deny everyone.
Martin was merely the leader of the party when the legislation came to parliament. He permitted a free vote.
What I am having difficulty understanding is why only the current PM?
What is that going to prove in the country, the church or his life to deny him a sacrament of forgiveness?

I am under the impression the Roman Catholic church allows Orthodox to receive in its church, but the Orthodox do not reciprocate.

Be aware that Communion is not seen as a symbol of unity in the same way as it often is in Protestant churches in the Catholic faith: unity of faith must come before sharing of Sacraments. The same applies to the Orthodox churches.