Q454 – Can a priest refuse Communion in the hand based on conscience, and what if a bishop opposes it?

Interview Organization: Confraternity of Our Lady of Fatima

Interviewer Name: Christopher P. Wendt

Date: May 13, 2026

Bishop Schneider said communion in the hand can pose an objective risk of particles falling or remaining on the hands. He stated a priest may, according to conscience, refuse to distribute Communion in this manner to avoid irreverence toward the Eucharist, even if it results in disciplinary consequences like suspension.

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It depends on his conscience, because exposing our Lord to such a danger as communion in the hand is an objective danger, as small particles can fall or stick to the fingers or the palm of the hand. This is the case. Even if not at every Holy Communion, this can still happen.

When a priest has a conscience that he cannot expose the Lord, the Holy of Holies, to such a danger, an objective danger, he can follow his conscience and say I can never give communion in the hand, to avoid degrading our Lord to such a minimalistic form of reverence and to avoid exposing him to danger.

In that case, he must accept the consequences, including suspension. But then he can go to other communities where communion in the hand is not given. He must choose for the Lord and accept the consequences for the Lord.

Question/ Title

Q454 – Can a priest refuse Communion in the hand based on conscience, and what if a bishop opposes it?

Q453 – Is it wrong to avoid receiving from an extraordinary minister or attending Mass where they are used?

Q452 – Is a baptized but uncatechized Catholic who later lived as a Protestant and married civilly still Catholic, and is the marriage valid?

Q451 – What is the best way to make thanksgiving after Communion and Confession, formal prayers or personal meditation?

Q450 – Is it still required to confess the number of mortal sins, or is naming the sins sufficient?

Q449 – Is bowing to the priest or genuflecting during processions a traditional or rubrical practice in the TLM or Novus Ordo?

Q448 – Are priests uniquely consecrated to handle the Eucharist and sacred vessels, and should laypeople generally avoid doing so?

Q447 – Is it acceptable to broadcast Benediction on media, or is the concern mainly about lay handling of the tabernacle?

Q446 – Is it permissible for a layperson to open and close the tabernacle for a broadcast, and how should it be done?

Q445 – How should a Catholic woman support her same-sex-attracted brother while remaining faithful to Church teaching?