Bishop reiterates Kennedy not banned from Communion
Alternative content
Politics And The Church
A public spat between Bishop Thomas Tobin and Rep. Patrick Kennedy raises issues about the Church's involvement in politics.Published: November 23, 2009
Updated: November 23, 2009
PROVIDENCE—The Roman Catholic bishop of Providence reiterated Monday that U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy has not been banned from receiving Holy Communion.
In a published interview Sunday, Kennedy said Bishop Thomas Tobin instructed priests in the diocese not to give him Communion. But a representative for the diocese said the bishop simply repeated a 2007 request made privately to Kennedy that he refrain from receiving the sacrament because he supports abortion rights.
Tobin said Monday that Kennedy was wrong to say he’s been denied Communion.
“I have no idea where he came up with that little piece of fiction. Nothing like that has ever occurred,“ Tobin told NBC 10. “So, when something like that appears in print, I have an obligation to the Catholics of this diocese to try to set the record straight.“
Mary Ann Sorrentino, who was ex-communicated from the church 20 years ago because of her work with Planned Parenthood, said the bishop is being heavy-handed.
“This does not bring Catholics closer to the teachings of the Church or to the Church itself. It alienates them further because we already know that 2-to-1, Catholics do not accept this teaching and do not want the Church involved in telling them what to do in bed or around their reproductive issues,“ Sorrentino said.
The spat between the bishop and the congressman became public about a month ago when Kennedy criticized the Church’s stance on health care reform.
“The bishop’s document that I refered to in my letter to the congressman ... outlines very clearly some concerns about poeople who obstinately and publicly repudiate the teachings of the Church, and says it’s inappropriate for them to be receiving Holy Communion,“ Tobin said.
Tobin said his invitation to meet with Kennedy for a pastoral conversation remains open.
Kennedy was not at his home in Portsmouth on Monday. His staff said Kennedy has no further comment and that he would not be available for an interview about the subject.
Related Story: Lawmaker defends Kennedy in Communion flap
Advertisement
Reader Reactions
Agreed! Lets stop it for today…..
As a matter of fact, nothing is being gained from continuing this argument at all, just the repetition of points of view that we’ve already heard. How about we make our opinion of Patches heard where it counts—at the ballot box!
If Kennedy would not have aired this, this whole story and the discussion thread would NOT have even happened.
Happy Thanksgiving to EVERYONE! I’m done here.
Oh my God! I love it, I am smiling already. Gobble Gobble!
(Ches, turkey is safe with me. I am a vegetarian), broccoli watch out!!!
Alkeryia
I think your proposal is as wonderful as you are.
So although after reading the post below you understand this will be extreamly hard. here goes….#@##****
Edsaul I wish you the most Happy Thanksgiving. OH THIS IS HARD!!!
Be safe EAT…..............sh TURKEY?....
AND HAVE A WONDERFUL %^%$#$%^DAY.
well Chesapeake…you miss the point…what a surprise…freedom of religion? of course we all have that freedom…to you and many Catholics that means imposing your religion on others….quite a difference, I believe…
I have a proposal. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Let’s put away all this bitterness and defensiveness and just enjoy the day.
I know, for myself, I have much to be Thankful for. I am thankful to my God, and nothing will change that.
I sure agree with that Smitty! Alkeryia’ I never even thought of the Religious affiliated hospitals. You both have taught me so much.
Sorry about my spelling. Ive typed 40 pages today. I’m tired. Speaking of Tired….(ofRI?) I was only kidding when I called you a Bluefin Tuna. It just meant you challenge me(a compliment)
I hope you both have a Happy and safe Thankgiving…you too tired!
Keep it up Cheasapeake—you know way more than some of these ‘geniuses’ know!
I’m going to put it another way—lets see how many agree with this:
I would believe Bishop Tobin over ‘Patches’ Kennedy for one very simple reason. The bishop has always held his view of the abortion issue, and he reinterates the standing of the church on the communion issue.
Patches the addict changes his mind as often as his constituency indicates that they’ve changed theirs. Also, he’s probably so high on his ‘meds’ that he has a hard time remembering what he heard told to him yesterday. This person—I hesitate calling him a man—has no credibility left. He is an embarrassment to the house seat he holds, and he should be voted OUT of office ASAP.
Unknowing kid my butt. Go Chesapeake. I am glad that the articles you site are on CNN because if they were on Fox then we would KNOW that it was just more right wing propaganda right?
If this clause is rescinded, the shortage of doctors and nurses in this state will get worse. Pro-life docs and nurses will continue to follow their consciences, hospitals with religious affiliations will close before they will kill this way. That will do tons for the health care crisis won’t it?
A bishop has every right to speak on ones freedom of religion is or might be denied.
AH HA
I was out fishing for two bluefish and caught a bluefin Tuna!!!!
Advertisement