The Bishops, Biden, and Communion

In 1962, New Orleans Archbishop Joseph Rummel made waves in Louisiana politics by ordering the racial integration of Catholic schools. He then excommunicated three community leaders, including an influential local political boss, for organizing opposition to his decision. Archbishop Rummel taught that "racial segregation is morally wrong and sinful because it is a denial of the unity and solidarity of the human race as conceived by God." The excommunicated politician responded by pushing to end state support of Catholic schools.