It sounds like cooler heads prevailed. The issue has been de-politicized. Most of us who grew up Catholic new there was some never used rule that allowed a priest to deny the Eucharist. But none of us ever imagined it would be used to promote a political point of view.

Nice outcome.

I am glad churches here are less liberal than overseas. The people involved there are accountable to God.

Do gays not understand that liberty is a two-way street? People should be able to SAY whatever they want. Gay left wing tyrants should not dictator what is allowable anymore than the religious right should.

Mario,

Most (perhaps not all) protests coming from the Gay community are against actions, not words. Sometimes, those protests are directed at institutions, such as the Church, that are seen an impeding or denying civil liberties ...

Yes, speech should be free, but that doesn't mean that it is without cost.

Dana - You are incorrect the issue was not a political one but a moral and spiritual one. The church's decision is the right one as it doesn't violate biblical or church law on homosexuality or the Eucharist. The church’s position isn’t changed they’re just leaving it up to individuals to make sure are following it.

There are three ways a person can commit sin: 1) By committing sin.
2) By participating in sin.
3) By condoning sin.
To receive Holy Communion while living contrary to God's law is the greatest sin a person can commit. As St. paul tells that, to eat and drink the Body of the Lord unworthly is to eat and drink yourself to condemnation. To allow someone to receive the Body of the Lord who is openly living against God's law is also just as guilty as the one receiving Our Lord unworthly.

The Church should officially apologize to all gays, lesbians and straight people who took offense to their denial of the Eucharist to a gay man.
First off, the majority of people in the Netherlands have no problem with gays, and second, even the religions do not see it as an alleged "sin". Such views are homophobic, backward, retrogressive and draconian. There is no place for such opinions in modern Netherlands! The Church needs to adapt or leave.

Finally, why doesn't the church refuse Eucharist to divorcees, people who have had sex outside marriage, people who swear etc??

I look forward to the day that gay marriages are celebrated in this Church!

This is the only church that has a problem with gays, all the other churches in Netherlands celebrate the diversity.

Why must they chose to be so backward?

Comment on Jimmy's posting: You asked why the Roman Catholic Church is unable to celebrate diversity like other faith groups can.

I think that one reason is related to church structure. In Protestant Churches individual members and congregations are often given relative freedom of belief. However, belief in the Roman Catholic Church is centralized under Rome. A member, priest or congregation has little freedom to deviate from official teachings.