WASHINGTON, D.C. : Clinton Criticized for Taking Communion

The White House said President Clinton has no regrets about taking Communion from a Catholic priest during his visit to South Africa, a move that was criticized by some American Catholics. White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry said aides who arranged Clinton’s March 29 visit to a church outside Johannesburg were assured that baptized Christians could share in Communion. In a Palm Sunday homily, Cardinal John J. O’Connor of New York said it was wrong for the officiating priest to have given Clinton the sacrament. Normally, the Catholic Church offers communion only to its own members. Clinton is a Baptist.