Peace be with you asimonelli,

[quote:27nief7x]I don’t understand the Archdiocese of Boston’s deciding to not excommunicate Kerry for his promotion of abortions. Maybe this was answered somewhere in the forum so I apologize if this is a repeat.[/quote:27nief7x]

Here is what the Catechism says about excommunication:

[i:27nief7x][b:27nief7x]1463 Certain particularly grave sins incur excommunication, the most severe ecclesiastical penalty, which impedes the reception of the sacraments and the exercise of certain ecclesiastical acts, and for which absolution consequently cannot be granted, according to canon law, except by the Pope, the bishop of the place or priests authorized by them. In danger of death any priest, even if deprived of faculties for hearing confessions, can absolve from every sin and excommunication.69[/b:27nief7x][/i:27nief7x]

Senator Kerry’s support of abortion, gay marriage, and embryonic stem cell research does not “impede the reception of the sacraments…” because absolution can be granted for this.

Hence this isn’t a “particularly grave sin”. Best I can come up with as a possible answer to your question.

Fred,