Archbishop: No Communion for Gay Allies

Twin Cities Archbishop John C. Nienstedt denied communion to about 25 college students and gay activists last month because they were protesting the church's stance on marriage equality.

According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the denial occurred during evening mass on September 26, with activists mostly from the Catholic St. John's University and the College of St. Benedict.

"The St. John's action was coordinated by students, including members of People Representing the Sexual Minority (PRiSM), which represents gay and lesbian students and their friends and allies," reports the Star Tribune. "That Sunday, according to those at the mass, about two dozen worshipers positioned themselves to receive communion from Nienstedt, who was saying his first student mass at the abbey. Some reached for the communion wafer but were denied it. Rather, the archbishop raised his hand in blessing."

The incident follows the church's decision to mail DVDs opposing marriage equality to 400,000 Catholics in Minnesota and asking them to vote for candidates who want a vote on the issue.