You've probably heard that Rep. Patrick Kennedy went public with the news that his bishop, Thomas Tobin, "banned" him from receiving communion because of his abortion rights advocacy. Did you hear Bishop Tobin's response, though? Excerpt from that:
On February 21, 2007, I wrote to Congressman Kennedy stating: "In light of the Church's clear teaching, and your consistent actions, therefore, I believe it is inappropriate for you to be receiving Holy Communion and I now ask respectfully that you refrain from doing so." My request came in light of the new statement of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops that said, "If a Catholic in his or her personal or professional life were knowingly and obstinately to repudiate her definite teachings on moral issues, he or she would seriously diminish his or her communion with the Church. Reception of Holy Communion in such a situation would not accord with the nature of the Eucharistic celebration, so that he or she should refrain." (Happy Are Those Who Are Called to His Supper, December, 2006)In the same letter I wrote to Congressman Kennedy, "I am writing to you personally and confidentially as a pastor addressing a member of his flock ... At the present time I have no need or intention to make this a public issue." I also indicated, "I am available to discuss this matter with you in person at any mutually convenient time and place. I would welcome the opportunity to do so."
Got that? It wasn't a ban, but a request, and one perfectly in line with the Church's teaching. And it was privately communicated by the bishop to Kennedy, who is under Bishop Tobin's spiritual authority, and explicitly issued as a confidential matter, so as not to make a public scandal of it. But it's Kennedy who chose to make a public issue of it, and by distorting the bishop's words.
Patrick Kennedy continues to be a most unimpressive figure, showing how the Kennedys have, in a single generation, gone from tragedy to farce. Kennedy has determined which sacrament means more to him, and I don't see why Bishop Tobin is obliged to facilitate the man's obstinate self-deception in what the Catholic Church teaches is literally a matter of the life and death of innocents.
Now, before you Kennedy defenders start decrying the evil Roman Catholic church throwing its political weight around, please account for the fact that if the bishops are to be silent when Catholic public officials take stands in violation of critically important church teachings, you are saying that Archbishop Rummel of New Orleans had no business excommunicating a handful of segregationist Louisiana Catholic politicians.
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Patrick Kennedy ( I live in RI) has been elected more than twice, so in this Catholic state the voters haven't decided to remove him from office by withholding their votes. It seems that they may not really care about Tobin ( I don't) and his opinion. Patrick wasn't elected to vote as a Catholic, he was elected to vote for what is best for the people of the state....Religion and politics don't mix...separation of church and state is a reality in this country...for very good reason. Abortion is legal in this country. That should never change. For those that think outlawing or restricting abortion will put stop to it are sadly wrong. Women have been having abortions for as long as there have been women. There is always a way. Patrick Kennedy has enough respect for women to realize they can control their own body...and should always have that right. The RCC should come off their ban against artificial birth control. That would help stop possible restrictions, IMO. They oppose condoms, something that not only helps prevent pregnancy but STD's too. Yes, I know, everyone should be married and THEN have sex...well, everyone knows that isn't life as we know it. I have known several Catholic couples who not only lived together before marriage and but use artificial birth control. Should they be banned from communion too??? The bedroom is not the RCC's business.
Correction: "That would help stop possible restrictions" should read That would help stop possible ABORTIONS.
Well, Kennedy is the one who chose to be catholic. He knows the church's teachings. If this upsets him, he could consider changing to a different religious sect that officially supports abortion.
Sigh.
There's no law that says you can't jump off a cliff. That doesn't mean it's smart or morally just to do so. And just because a state allows abortion, that doesn't make it a miniature China that requires it. Perhaps Kennedy is just allowing people to be moved by the Spirit rather than coerced by the law.
That being said, I agree with Rod that Kennedy is a whiny Catholic. But then all institutions are supposed to align themselves with the Kennedys, not the other way around.
As an agnostic and a leftie I'm in full agreement with you Rod. I am sick to the teeth with people who whine about the rules of a church or other optional grouping. If you believe in abortion rights then don't go to church.
Kennedy should try his garbage logic with the KKK. They have weird beliefs but perhaps they are not so civil as Bishop Tobin.
The right to an abortion do not mean everyone has to agree with it. I'm pro choice but that doesn't mean I would insist on abortions.
Kennedy, get a grip. This is a man from the old country telling you. Stop being Catholic just to milk votes. Focus on your core beliefs political and otherwise and campaign for them. How can you speak about the land of the free when you don't give yourself the freedom to walk away from a church you no longer agree with. That just dumb.
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