Kennedy was recently quoted as saying, “The bishop instructed me not to take Communion and said that he has instructed the diocesan priests not to give me Communion; that I am not a good practicing Catholic because of the positions that I’ve taken as a public official.”  And, while it’s probably below the belt, I will continue to wonder how Tobin feels about his peers that are being convicted of raping children as part of their work with God.  Do they deserve forgiveness and communion?A little research on the internet confirms that Tobin, by Church Law, can ban Kennedy from receiving Communion with his Diocese, but he cannot stop Kennedy from receiving communion elsewhere.  Kennedy also has the right to appeal the decision all the way to the Vatican, but the church is very likely to overturn one of their own.  Even Bishops have to cover their asses.

Kennedy has been very public about his criticism of the Catholic Church or their idle threats to oppose any health care reform that doesn’t include strict restrictions on federally funded abortion.  He has also voted against the plan supported by the Bishop and for the plan they opposed.  The Bishop demanded an apology – Kennedy (admirably) refused, including this response:

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

Not to be left without the last word, Tobin responded with a biting public letter that was published in a diocesan newspaper.

“Sorry, you can’t chalk it up to an ‘imperfect humanity.’ Your position is unacceptable to the Church and scandalous to many of our members. It absolutely diminishes your Communion with the Church.”

Somehow this seems like fighting words, and while I understand the power of the Catholic Church it would seem to me that with these changing times (and their continued transgressions) that the Church would grow to accept that not everyone shares their every opinion and that that’s okay.  Maybe when that happens, I’ll look at the church as something more than I do today.  Until then, I will be standing beside Kennedy supporting abortion and sacrificing for what I believe in.

~geek