And the decision is to leave it up to the local bishop. Bishops end debate over politicians, abortion
McCarrick said the task force met with Democratic and Republican politicians and consulted with Vatican officials and bishops in other nations on the "frustrating reality" of Catholics who seem to reject Catholic principles.
"Our concern is not politics, nor just particular policies, but their faith and even their salvation. These dialogues are not about winning votes, but saving souls," he said.
On the issue of communion, he said there was "no substitute for the local bishop's pastoral judgment and his vital relationships with Catholic public officials in his own diocese."
The task force has written a booklet of "Readings on Catholics and Political Life" that has been distributed to every Catholic politician in the U.S. Congress. Education and information sessions on Catholic teaching are also being arranged on Capitol Hill.