Reply #7: According to the Catholic church,

[mcar]

it is a matter of conscience whether a person takes communion or not. It is not supposed to be "up to" a priest or bishop to give a person communion.

At least that's what I recall from my theology classes in a Jesuit college.

Being refused Communion could be embarassing to Kerry, but I think it would backfire among Catholics, many, if not most, of whom still vote democratic.