FUMARE

Law, culture, and Catholicism...up in smoke!

Monday, November 23, 2009

More from Kennedy and Bishop Tobin

There are more developments in the showdown between U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy and Providence, RI Bishop Thomas Tobin. There was a recent article about the controversy which quoted Kennedy as saying that Bishop Tobin had personally barred him from Communion. Bishop Tobin has responded to correct the record and to express disappointment that Kennedy chose to air their private communications. Bishop Tobin:

I am disappointed that the Congressman would make public my pastoral and confidential request of nearly three years ago that sought to provide solely for his spiritual well-being.

I have no desire to continue the discussion of Congressman Kennedy's spiritual life in public. At the same time, I will absolutely respond publicly and strongly whenever he attacks the Catholic Church, misrepresents the teachings of the Church, or issues inaccurate statements about my pastoral ministry.