“The reception of Holy Communion by those who publicly and obstinately violate the moral law in its most fundamental precepts is a particularly grave form of sacrilege,” writes Cardinal Raymond Burke. Explaining that he has received many inquiries about the question, the cardinal suggests that Catholic public officials who promote abortion are guilty of apostasy, and might also be accused of heresy. “Clearly, no priest or Bishop can grant permission to a person who is in public and obstinate grave sin to receive Holy Communion,” he insists.