Montana gay couple denied Communion after marriage

A gay couple has been told they can no longer receive Communion or participate in church ministry after a new priest at a Roman Catholic church in central Montana learned they had been married in a civil ceremony more than a year ago.

The decision set off a split that has cut attendance at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Lewistown. Bishop Michael Warfel of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings plans to visit on Saturday to discuss how church teachings apply to the situation.

Paul Huff, 66, and Tom Wojtowick, 73 — who have been in a committed relationship for more than 30 years and have lived together in Lewistown for 11 years — said they were stunned by the decision of the Rev. Samuel Spiering, who also said the men could not sing in the church choir.

Read more: Washington Post