In recent months, some Catholic bishops have so politicized religion that Communion is now being selectively withheld as a form of punishment.

Church leaders, long concerned about Catholic politicians who support abortion rights, decided to take a stand when John Kerry emerged as the first Catholic major-party presidential candidate in 44 years. Several conservative bishops have threatened to withhold Communion from Kerry, and any other politician who supports abortion rights.

At a closed-door meeting in Colorado this week, American bishops discussed whether Catholic lawmakers who defy church teaching on abortion should be denied Communion.

But it's not just politicians facing sanctions. In Chicago, a priest withheld Communion from a group of Catholic gay activists. And in Colorado, a bishop decreed that any Catholic who supports politicians who favor abortion rights, euthanasia, stem-cell research or same-sex marriage should not take Communion.

These are frightening steps down a very slippery slope.

I understand religious leaders' desire to set moral standards based upon their interpretation of the Bible and, in the case of the Roman Catholic bishops, a long tradition of church teachings. But bishops and priests who use the sacrament to enforce their decisions on who is "worthy" are going too far.

What's next? Will churchgoers be asked to complete a survey on their political views while waiting in the Communion line?

The real question is this: Why are abortion and gay marriage the only issues being addressed? What about people who favor the death penalty? Shouldn't they be denied Communion for disagreeing with the church's position? And how about all the senators, Kerry included, who supported the war in Iraq, where we've killed thousands of civilians in our mission to ... what was it? Find and destroy weapons of mass destruction that posed a threat to our nation? Fight terrorism? Free an oppressed people? Spread democracy throughout the Middle East? (Or was it to get more oil? I can't keep the reasons straight anymore.)

The fact that the "Communion card" is only being played when it comes to issues opposed by right-wing conservatives has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with politics. And it's no coincidence that this is all happening in the months leading up to the election.

Earlier this month, President Bush met with Pope John Paul II in Rome — and asked a Vatican official to urge American bishops to speak out on "cultural" issues including same-sex marriage.

Meanwhile, a task force headed by Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, archbishop of Washington, is considering the issue of sanctions for politicians who violate church teachings.

However, it doesn't plan to make recommendations until after the election, leaving bishops free to act according to their own views

Fortunately, many Catholic bishops and priests — including McCarrick — do not support using Communion to impose sanctions. My fear is that the ones who do, spurred by support from conservative groups and politicians, will encourage more Catholic bishops and priests — and, perhaps, leaders in other denominations — to take up their cause.

If they do, they'll soon find themselves preaching to empty pews. Their churches will become exclusive clubs for people who share the same views. There won't be many parishioners from the younger generation. Many of them will turn to other denominations, or, perhaps, away from organized religion altogether.

And that, to me, would be the real tragedy. In a time where families are scattered and neighbors are often strangers, churches can provide a much-needed sense of community and unity, stability and support. In a time where many people feel cynical and scared, churches can restore faith, foster hope and provide a safe haven. And in a time where many children see more acts of violence than of kindness, churches can offer important lessons on peace and justice, love and compassion, forgiveness and humility.

These are the things our leaders, religious and otherwise, should be focusing on.

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Lisa Miller is a freelance writer who lives in Oneonta. She can be reached at lisamiller44@hotmail.com.