Like many Rhode Islanders, I was raised as a Catholic.  I was baptized, received penance, and made my first communion.  I never made my confirmation because I thought it was ridiculous.  Even at a young age, I disagreed with the church and had difficulty "confirming" my place as a member.  I know many people just go through the motions because they feel they are supposed to, but I just couldn't.  Unlike many of my peers who also disagreed with the Church's teachings, I disagreed and refused to make a mockery of the proceedings.  Many people seemingly don't care and are content to go through the motions.  Who do you think takes religion more seriously?

     One of those people you could certainly call into question is Patrick Kennedy.  He loudly criticized the Catholic Church last week and received more criticism from Bishop Thomas Tobin this week when he fought to allow government funding for abortions.  Kennedy stated that his views and actions didn't make him any less of a Catholic, but the Bishop disagreed.  Here is his response to Kennedy:

“Well, in fact, Congressman, in a way it does,” the bishop said in a letter issued just two days after Kennedy was among a group of minority lawmakers who attempted to block tough new restrictions on abortion that were added Saturday to the House’s health-care reform legislation.

“Although I wouldn’t chose those particular words, when someone rejects the teachings of the Church, especially on a grave matter, a life-and-death issue like abortion, it certainly does diminish their ecclesial communion,” the bishop declared.

Kennedy’s office did not respond yesterday to phone and e-mail requests for an interview on the bishop’s letter.

Bishop Tobin raised the question: What makes Kennedy think he’s Catholic? “Your baptism as an infant? Your family ties? Your cultural heritage?”

Being Catholic involves much more, he said, including acceptance of essential church teachings on matters of faith and morals, belonging to a parish community, weekly attendance at Mass and regular reception of the sacraments.

And support for abortion rights is not in the same category of those who struggle with sins of anger, pride, greed, impurity or dishonesty and then fail, the bishop declared.

“Your rejection of the Church’s teaching on abortion falls into a different category — it’s a deliberate and obstinate act of the will, a conscious decision that you’ve reaffirmed on many occasions.

“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….

“I write these words not to embarrass you or to judge the state of your conscience or soul. That’s ultimately between you and God.

“But your description of your relationship with the Church is now a matter of public record and it needs to be challenged. I invite you, as your bishop and brother in Christ, to enter into a sincere process of discernment, conversion and repentance. It’s not too late to repair your relationship with the church, redeem your public image and emerge as an authentic ‘profile in courage,’ especially by defending the sanctity of human life for all people, including unborn children.”


     I'm glad to finally see the Bishop call out Patrick Kennedy  on this issue.  I've always been troubled by people who claim to be Catholic (or any other religion), then hold views and live their life in a way that is counter those teachings.  They try to be everything to everyone, then end up looking like a fool.  Of course, the Church isn't blameless in this.  For proof, just look at Ted Kennedy's funeral and the plethora of bishops at his service.  This is a man who was also strongly pro choice and lived counter to the Church's teachings, yet he was treated like a king.  What was the Catholic Church thinking?

     I support woman's right to choose, gay marriage, decriminalization of marijuana, I oppose excessive spending on social services, and I support tough enforcement of our immigration laws.  All of these views are at odds with the Catholic Church's positions.  Because of these differences and many more, I can't see myself following the Catholic faith.  If you are going to ignore the teachings, why bother being a part of the religion?