Sally Quinn Takes Communion

Above: Tim Russert pictured with Catholic school children (CNS photo) In one of the strangest religious stories of the month, Sally Quinn, the longtime Washington Post reporter and co-editor of the Post-Newsweek blog “On Faith” wrote about her decision to receive Communion at her close friend Tim Russert’s funeral. Ms. Quinn is not a Catholic. The whole story is here on The New Republic’s blog here. First, Ms. Quinn’s comment from the original “On Faith” blog: “Last Wednesday at Tim’s funeral mass at Trinity Church in Georgetown… communion was offered. I had only taken communion once in my life, at an evangelical church. It was soon after I had started “On Faith” and I wanted to see what it was like. Oddly I had a slightly nauseated sensation after I took it, knowing that in some way it represented the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Last Wednesday I was determined to take it for Tim, transubstantiation notwithstanding. I’m so glad I did. It made me feel closer to him. And it was worth it just to imagine how he would have loved it. After I began “On Faith,” Tim started calling me “Sister Sal” instead of “Miss Sal.” Not surprisingly, the Catholic League issued a response. “Just reading what Sally Quinn said is enough to give any Christian, especially Catholics, more than a ’slightly nauseating sensation.’ In her privileged world, life is all about experiences and feelings. “Moreover, Quinn’s statement not only reeks of narcissism, it shows a profound disrespect for Catholics and the beliefs they hold dear. If she really wanted to get close to Tim Russert, she should have found a way to do so without trampling on Catholic sensibilities. Like praying for him–that’s what Catholics do.” What’s going on here? On the one hand… One of the key messages of Jesus of Nazareth was inclusion and welcome. During his earthly ministry, Jesus constantly welcomed people from the margins of society into the community, through both word and deed. This is shown over and over in his meals with persons of little social standing; his interactions with beggars, lepers and prostitutes; and in his conversations even with the hated Roman soldiers. His healings, too, were not only ways of freeing people from their ailments but also restoring them to the larger community. Jesus’s deeds gave meaning to his words, and his words to his deeds. And frequently both pointed to the message of inclusion and welcome. It is therefore always difficult to argue for exclusion, at least by the example of Jesus of Nazareth. This seemed to have been part of Ms. Quinn’s motivation. When reached for comment by The New Republic in light of the Catholic League’s response, she said: “Any religious people who purport to be Christians, or whatever faith you might be, would do everything they could to welcome others–in the case of Catholics, to welcome others the way Christ would welcome others. This is a perfect example of WWJD. Would Jesus have said, “No you don’t, Sally Quinn. You’re not going to get away with this one!” So Ms. Quinn is quite correct in asking, “What would Jesus do?” It is an important question for all churches to ask themselves. On the other hand… Catholics believe in the “real presence,” the actual presence of Christ in the elements of the Eucharist: the bread and the wine. It is a central element of our faith, and reception of Communion is something that a Catholic does not do lightly. Which is something of an understatement. “First Holy Communion” is an important passage to adulthood; and even afterwards adults are asked to approach Communion reverently and without being conscious of any grave sin. Catholics also know that the very word “Communion” means that you are in “communion” with the rest of the Catholic church, and accept its beliefs. Therefore, it is probably not too much to expect that the co-founder of a prestigious online blog about religion run by two of the nation’s premier journals, would understand something about the most basic practices of the Catholic church. Most intelligent people know a few facts about the Catholic church: this is one of them. And even if one doesn’t know this, one would know to act with great care when in the midst of a worshiping community not your own. (For example, I am always exceedingly careful not to offend anyone’s sensibilities when in a synagogue, a mosque or a Christian church or meeting place not affiliated with the Catholic church.) An essential element of respect for another religious tradition is approaching their holy places, people and ceremonies with sense of reverence, even awe. That’s why the words “transubstantiation notwithstanding” are difficult to hear. If one knows enough about Catholicism to mention “transubstantiation” then one should also know that the word “notwithstanding” makes little sense in that context. At the same time, the Catholic League need not attack Ms. Quinn ad hominem. Ms. Quinn, whatever her personal beliefs, seems to have approached the altar rail out of love for her Catholic friend, not hatred for the Catholic church. The League also has no idea whether Ms. Quinn’s life is “all about experiences and feelings.” What is essentially a discussion about ecumenical concerns (i.e. Who can receive Communion?) is not advanced by ad hominem arguments. In short, may I offer some friendly advice to both parties? To Ms. Quinn: Giving tribute to a friend may also mean respecting his religious traditions. To the Catholic League: Giving people the benefit of the doubt is a good way to show respect, too. James Martin, SJ