RSS
News


Home Page > News > Bishop bars Patrick Kennedy from Communion at Mass over abortion stance

Blogs


comment on article 65 Comments
print this article Print
email this articleE-mail

Bishop bars Patrick Kennedy from Communion at Mass over abortion stance

By
KELLY FINCHAM,
IrishCentral.com Editor

Published Sunday, November 22, 2009, 8:30 AM
Updated Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 12:57 PM

 

Bookmark and Share

Barred from Communion: Rep. Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island
Barred from Communion: Rep. Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island

Congressman Patrick Kennedy has been barred from receiving Communion by his Bishop in Rhode Island.

Bishop Thomas Tobin has barred Patrick, the son of the late Senator Edward Kennedy, because of his position on abortion rights.

"The bishop instructed me not to take Communion and said that he has instructed the diocesan priests not to give me Communion," Kennedy told the Providence Journal.

It is not clear if other bishops will follow Tobin's lead. Kennedy also attends Mass frequently in Massachusetts, where the family has a home.

Kennedy said the bishop had told him "that I am not a good practicing Catholic because of the positions that I've taken as a public official," particularly on abortion.

The dispute between the two men began in October when Kennedy criticized the nation's Catholic bishops for threatening to oppose health care legislation unless it included tighter controls on federally funded abortion.

Kennedy actually eventually voted for an amendment to the bill that did restrict the abortion funding in order to get the entire bill through.

Tobin, who serves in the most-Catholic diocese in the nation, demanded an apology from Kennedy for his remarks and asked for a meeting.

"While I greatly respect the Catholic Church and its leaders, like many Rhode Islanders, the fact that I disagree with the hierarchy of the church on some issues does not make me any less of a Catholic," Kennedy wrote in a letter to Tobin, agreeing to a meeting.

"I embrace my faith which acknowledges the existence of an imperfect humanity."

1 2 Next page >
print this article Print
email this articleE-mail


Most recent of 65 comments - See all comments

It may take several minutes for your comment to appear.
Report abuse
Posted by AnnCallanPrice on Jan 27, 2011, 10:29 PM EST
....rEAD SCRIPTURE, FROM cHRIST'S OWN WORDS................ AND MOST cHRISTIAN'S HAVE NOT FOLOWED hIS TEACHINGS...... lOOK TO YOUR OWN EYE BEFORE YOU TRY TO JUDGE THE SPLINTER IN ANOTHER'S.......EVEN IF THEY ARE WRONG....TRY HELPING mR kENNEDY...AND YOURSEIVES ALSO... hOW MANY cHRISTIANS IN aMERICA HAVE SOLD ALL THEIR POCESSIONS GIVEN IT TO THE POOR AND WALKED AS A DISCIPLE OF cHRIST? tAKING ONLY THE SHOES AND CLOTHES YOU WEAR....GOING FROM TOWN TO TOWN SPREADING THE gOSPEL? NOT MANY.....MAYBE A FEW HUNDRED, A FEW THOUSAND, OR A MERE HANDFUL? sOUNDS LIKE THE TRUE CHURCH OF gOD AND THE bOY sCOUTS AND MANY LICENSED DAY CARE CENTERS ARE FULL OF "DIRTY OLE MEN , PETOFILES,,,,NOT JUST THE cATHOLIC CHURCH..... SO DO NOT FOCUS ON THE c cHURCH FOR ALL THE SINS OF MANKIND... aMERICA HAS GRAVE GROUP SIN AS WELL AS GRAVE INDIVIDUAL SIN! ....A SOUL IS , AT THE MOMENT OF CONCEPTION, SEPARATE FROM THE SOUL OF THE mOTHER. AND ADOPTION IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO RAISING THE CHILD, IF THE mOTHER DECIDES NOT TO mOTHER ...END OF DICUSSION.....cHRIST SAID SO....... SO S T O P IT.......OR YOU ARE NOT A TRUE DISCIPLE OF cHRIST.... YOUR CHOICE,,,,hEAVEN OR hELLL.......THERE....CHOSE THAT PRO CHOICERS!
Report abuse
Posted by jmhickey on Jul 10, 2010, 08:27 AM EDT
I think the heirarchy of the Catholic Church has done NOTHING to accept responsibility for the disgressions of their own flock. Who is the bishop to pass judgment on a man who has dedicated himself to public service. And they wonder why no one goes to mass anymore. It's actions like these that push people away from the church. I was brought up in the Catholic Church of compassion. Abortion is almost always the only choice for some women. If men could get pregnant, I'm sure the church would have a very different view about this subject.
Report abuse
Posted by michealcollins on Apr 15, 2010, 07:41 PM EDT
There is something rather troubling about this story. Mr. Kennedy supports abortion, but regular attends mass. Honestly, I don't regularly attend mass, but when I do, I don't take communion, because I don't feel worthy to accept the body of Christ. At the present time, to have the Bishop of Rhode Island, lecturing on Mr. Kennedy not being a good Catholic is laughable. The clergy have lost their moral authority, and need to recover it, before passing judgement on the laity. What's worse deny someone the right to communion because they are prochoice, or the collusion within the church to protect sexual predators? I am willing to bet those priest involved were not denied communion over the years.
Report abuse
Posted by murphy66 on Apr 04, 2010, 04:13 PM EDT
There hasn't been a good Catholic in that family since Rose.
Report abuse
Posted by murphy66 on Mar 03, 2010, 11:06 AM EST
Thank you BildoReilly. Right on point.
Report abuse
Posted by murphy66 on Mar 03, 2010, 11:04 AM EST
The Catholic church is responsible for more deaths in Africa then all the slave traders in history, and the church gave its blessing to the West African slave trade. Before they condemn anyone they should clean up their house first. Why should a bunch of dirty old men have the right to tell 51% of the population what they can and cannot do with their own bodies?
Report abuse
Posted by tommsr1936 on Feb 28, 2010, 01:29 PM EST
It's about time that the Church has stood up against these people who don't follow the laws of the church. They are "CINO".
Report abuse
Posted by Harriette on Feb 05, 2010, 11:49 PM EST
I agree with Kennedy's stand on the abortion issue. Good for him !!!
Report abuse
Posted by Lillyobrien on Dec 26, 2009, 01:33 PM EST
I think the church has far more inportant issues to look after then one of the Kennedys can take communion number one issue would be the young children all over the world that have been molested. Is the Kennedy problem the tail that waves the dog.....
Report abuse
Posted by mollymcgee on Dec 04, 2009, 11:41 PM EST
Judgement by a hierachy that hid perverts actions for years....amd massive abuses.....think that be the proverbial two edged sword some writers paint in words......sad-so- sad....
Report abuse
Posted by seano32b on Nov 25, 2009, 12:28 PM EST
Good. About time that the Catholic Church in the U.S. took a stronge stance on this issue.
Report abuse
Posted by DANOLO13 on Nov 25, 2009, 12:25 AM EST
what! "acknowledges the existace of an imperfect humanity"?!?!?! This does not give us the right or excuse to hide behind it and say it is okay. If you say your Catholic, then "thou shall not KILL" should be kept, without the search for an excuse. Especialy one that sounds like, "but everyone else is doing it." Besides that, basic understanding of biology is enough to understand why abortion is useless.
Report abuse
Posted by liseuxx on Nov 24, 2009, 10:04 PM EST
It's not her own body- not unless she has now four hands and four feet while preggers. AND, if she's carrying a male baby, suddenly the mamma has developed a penis? That's the oldest and most illogical argument ever played, "It's my own body..." DNA evidence now proves otherwise.
Report abuse
Posted by plasticpaddy on Nov 24, 2009, 06:22 PM EST
and bugger it if she or anyone else will tell anyone what to do with their own body. Funny how the anti-abortionists are more against liberty and freedom to decide ones own fate than the ones they regularly criticise.
Report abuse
Posted by Chicago1 on Nov 24, 2009, 02:23 PM EST
"The so-called right to abortion has pitted mothers against their children and women against men. It has sown violence and discord at the heart of the most intimate human relationships. It has aggravated the derogation of the father's role in an increasingly fatherless society. It has portrayed the greatest of gifts -- a child -- as a competitor, an intrusion, and an inconvenience. It has nominally accorded mothers unfettered dominion over the independent lives of their physically dependent sons and daughters" And, in granting this unconscionable power, it has exposed many women to unjust and selfish demands from their husbands or other sexual partners. Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being's entitlement by virtue of his humanity. The right to life does not depend, and must not be declared to be contingent, on the pleasure of anyone else, not even a parent or a sovereign." MOTHER TERESA, WALL STREET JOURNAL, 1994
Report abuse
Posted by liseuxx on Nov 24, 2009, 09:00 AM EST
The good bishop told Kennedy three years ago that he was putting his soul in danger with his public, scandalous support of abortion laws. I'm glad that here in America we are finally getting some bishops who actually take stand for the Catholic faith. I think this is the JPII generation and the New Evangelization being fulfilled. I totally support Bishop Tobin, and know many Catholics who do.
Report abuse
Posted by rndidonato on Nov 23, 2009, 10:56 PM EST
It is unfortunate to see the ignorance of "Catholics" who have not received a solid Catholic Education. Just as his father, Ted Kennedy, picked and chose which tenants of the Catholic Church he would follow and those he would not, I see that his son is folloiwng in his father's footsteps. It's unfortunate that such a high profile family as the Kennedy's were such a poor example of the Catholic faith. Their mother, Rose, must have suffered greatly because of their sins. I am a first generation Catholic Irish, American. It is so sad to see such bickering but Bishop Tobin is within his rights as the Shephard of the Diocese of Rhode Island to counsel members of his diocese who publlicly cause scandal by saying they are Catholic and are not "living the faith." From what I have read, this is not a recent development. Bishop Tpbin has counseled him in the past in this matter. It is all well and good to preach "peace and justice" but that comes after defending the most innocent unborn who have no one to defend them against those who believe they should not live. We will have no "peace" until we stop offending God by killing "His" children.
Report abuse
Posted by vincentruane on Nov 23, 2009, 08:55 PM EST
The Tenth Commandment 'Thou Shalt Not Kill' also means 'Thou Shalt Not Kill weak and defenseless growing Americans!'You deny your Catholic Faith if you support the killing of weak and defenseless growing human beings through acts of abortion.
Report abuse
Posted by kickstar on Nov 23, 2009, 08:21 PM EST
Communion is a little round wafer when it is put into the chalice and after the priest prays over it awhile it is then a little round wafer with some saliva droplets on it And that is all that this eeejit of a man hi hat tom tobin is witholding from Mr Kennedy
Report abuse
Posted by kickstar on Nov 23, 2009, 08:11 PM EST
Hey 'pete717' What do you mean "Christ's Church" ? I know the Romans Crucified Jesus Christ at the Behest of the Pharisees But I must have missed the bit where Christ threw his lot in with the Roman Emperors.So as to make the Roman Catholic Church his Church.
Report abuse
Posted by veronica38 on Nov 23, 2009, 07:40 PM EST
Sorry, I meant I have been taught.
Report abuse
Posted by veronica38 on Nov 23, 2009, 07:34 PM EST
Since I been a Roman Catholic since I was born 60 years ago, I have been learned you can receive Communion unless you have committed grave sin. I seem to be missing something in what Bishop Thomas Tobin is saying. If I murdered three people and went to confession, would I be able to receive Communion. Nancy Pelosi, The Speaker of the House believes in abortion. Is she denied the sacrament? I doubt it, even though when she had an audience with the Pope, The Vatican refused to take her photogragh with him. What is happening to our religion when a Bishop decides to refuse Communion just because of his beliefs? Veronica Poli Boynton Beach, FL
Report abuse
Posted by BildoReilly on Nov 23, 2009, 06:07 PM EST
I love all the loony christians who are pro-life before birth and pro-death penalty after birth. They believe that every life is sacred until The State decides to end it by execution. If Bishop Tobin is going single out one politician and ignore all the others, he's playing politics and should be de-frocked.
Report abuse
Posted by sammon112 on Nov 23, 2009, 05:18 PM EST
another obvious case of hypocrisy in the catholic church.Iam no fan of any of the kennedys,But in this case i say well done lad.
Report abuse
Posted by pete717 on Nov 23, 2009, 04:59 PM EST
I am a Catholic also and I am totally grateful that the bishop and priests have finally stood up for the Faith. These men chosen to protect and defend Christ's Church have some backbone to stand up to the Kennedy's. He has been warned many times and has even denied having a private meeting with the bishop and like a little "child" refused to talk with the bishop. He has to grow up and Man up and take his punishment. Come on old Patty boy if you don't like the teachings of the Church just leave, there is the door no one is holding you back. In the mean time do not call yourself a Catholic because you are not.Your just a hypocrite Patty boy. All you that have commented and sided with Patty you need to leave also. I was a professional athlete at one time and was taught loyalty, honor and a slew of other outstanding characteristics so why does old Kennedy boy think he is an exception to the rule. Tell you what why doesn't Kennedy start his own church and all you that worship him can do so in the " Good Old Boy Kennedy Church", bow down and kiss his toes. May God have Mercy on him and all you that support him.
Report abuse
Posted by beachline on Nov 23, 2009, 04:35 PM EST
What ever happened to SEPARATIONof church and state???? The Catholic church is trying to regain the strangle hold it had on the people years ago before we began to think for ourselves. The Fundamentalist Evangelicans are trying to put a strangle hold on basic Christians who believe in God and His teachings, not in the Evangelican interpretation of the Bible. Do not worry about Islamic Extremeists--terrorists; this country has plenty of homegrown religious extremeists who will try to destroy us. This ruling by the catholic Bishop is only the beginning of a religious civil war. God help us all, we really need His guidance now.
Report abuse
Posted by pete717 on Nov 23, 2009, 04:08 PM EST
Posted by BeammeupScotty on November 23,2009 | 12:30PM :The Bishop WILL ALSO stop giving Communion to those politicians that got their marriages Annulled, Supported the KILLINGS Due to War or Supported The Death Penalty, RIGHT??? Or is it just Abortion that takes the Eucharist out of your mouth?" Hey BeammeupScotty: FALSE GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT BEFORE POST GARBAGE. NO ONE EVERY SAID IT WAS ABOUT ANNULMENTS, ETC.. GET IT RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!
Report abuse
Posted by BildoReilly on Nov 23, 2009, 04:07 PM EST
Who died and made HIM Pope? Doesn't the bishop have better things to do than to play politics and single out only one politician for persecution? Right now, as we speak, there are witches running around, un-burned! Somewhere else, a priest is fondling an altar boy. But hey, it's really important that one specific guy doesn't get his wafer!
Report abuse
Posted by BeammeupScotty on Nov 23, 2009, 03:30 PM EST
The Bishop WILL ALSO stop giving Communion to those politicians that got their marriages Annulled, Supported the KILLINGS Due to War or Supported The Death Penalty, RIGHT??? Or is it just Abortion that takes the Eucharist out of your mouth?
Report abuse
Posted by pete717 on Nov 23, 2009, 03:27 PM EST
Hey "darsimaj" you would not understand based off you comment that abortion is the greatest of moral issue. Why you might ask? Well these unborn children have no voice to stick up for their rights so someone must have a voice for them. All the other issues you have brought up those people have a voice they have made their decision they have had the opportunity to LIVE, but not the unborn. Think about it? Your moral compass is out of whack if you think the other issue are on the same level of the UNBORN.VIVO CHRISTO REY!!!!!!!


Click to learn more from DiscoverIreland.com.
IrishCentral Mobile QR code




remember me on this computer
forget your password?