Catholic Leaders Argue Divorce And Communion At Meeting

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The sacrament of communion. New documents show Catholic bishops are unlikely to back Pope Francis' drive to allow divorced Catholics to receive it.

Amy Yensi with more on the controversy within the Catholic Church.

Whether it's 102 stories from the ground, during a snow storm, or even a royal affair, there are many ways to make it official. But if you make vows at a Catholic altar, the church will hold you to them, even if divorce laws set you free.

Pope Francis leads the discussion on family matters with bishops from more than 120 countries. At the summit meeting, known as the Synod, Catholic leaders disagree on whether the church should be more welcoming to divorced Catholics.

Catholics who have divorced and remarried without getting annulments cannot take holy communion.

On one side of the aisle: traditionalists who want to keep the Catholic stance on divorce exactly the way it is. On the other side: progressives who say times have changed, and the church should change, too.

Some local Catholics say the church doctrine is a part of its tradition.

"It's something that the Catholic faith has lived by for so many years now," said Arden Bongco.

But to U.S. Catholics in a recent Pew Research Center poll, the doctrine is outdated.

Just over half of Catholics surveyed say they still prefer a traditional family, but say it's acceptable for divorced parents to raise children.

"People should be allowed to have communion and everything, whether they're divorced or not. Our faith in God is what drives us," said Anne Wills.

Pope Francis has already called for a Holy Year of Mercy, the question now is whether that compassion includes those long considered by the church to be living in sin.

The bishops can make recommendations, but the pope has the final say.

Pope Francis is expected to speak to the bishops this weekend once the Synod votes on their report.