Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

what ever happened to separation between church and state? they are going to kick him out of the catholic church because he wont vote how he is told to by child molestors? I'm sure ANY other religion would take him in. no wonder nothing gets resolved in this state.

The "inclusive" Catholic Church strikes again...I would like to congratulate the bishop on further alienating a huge swath of the population.

I think the Bishop has the right idea. I say we kick everyone out of the Catholic church who is divorced, who supports divorce, is an unwed parent, supports the death penalty, supports the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, doesn't give %10 of their income to the church, is gay, supports the GLBT community, etc. Then when all the non-believers are gone, the Catholic Church (and its 10 remaining members) can voluntarily relinquish its tax-exempt status and support which ever political causes and politicians it so chooses.

Until that time, I say let Kennedy receive the Eucharist.

Bishop Tobin is right on. Some people like to remark that the Bishop has no right to determine who is a good Catholic who isn't. Well, the Roman Catholic Church is not a democracy. It is an ordered communion where the Bishops in Union with the Successor of Peter teach, preach and govern the Universal Church. The latest Gallup poll doesn't determine the latest mores of the Church. Nor is the Catholic Church a parliamentary style institution like the Protestant Episcopal Church that runs from General Convention to General Convention on what that church believes.

Most of us know that Ole' Paddy doesn't belong to a parish faith community and hasn't for years. That means he has lost contact with the Church years ago. Not one person has mentioned that Ole' Paddy is an active and participating communicant in any parish from here to Washington.

I think the Bishop is just calling Ole' Paddy to call a spade a spade. He would perhaps be happier with the Anglicans or some other denomination where they are in sync with his views. What's the big punishment to ask someone who does not practice the faith to refrain from receiving communion? Not much of one as I see it.

As for the teaching of abortion. One is reminded that the early church communities were confronted with living in a pagan world. Abortion, infanticide and other actions were legal in the Roman world. The ancient sources according to tradition, such at the earliest catechism -The Didache- The Teaching of the 12 Apostoles- taught that abortion and infanticide were great evils. The church is bound to her patrimony of belief and the Teaching Authority of the Church continues to this day.

Not 45 yrs. ago leaders in the South were threatened with excommunication for their racist views and actions. Bishop Tobin is trying to answer to the erratic whims of a non practicing Catholic congressman who brought this whole affair into the public spotlight himself in the first place. Ole' Paddy is indeed better off going elsewhere.

I am geting sick and tired of hearing these two playing their "I can do you one Better Game" with each other. I wish they would both just go away.

Bishop Tobin obviously does not know his history or what a democratic republic really is. And he should stay out of politics also.

Too bad the church wasn't as vocal about its own priests, who were outright criminals, instead of an elected Representative doing his job. One also wonders if the bishop would be so outspoken if Teddy were still around.

One of the (valid) criticisms of some Muslim countries is that they let religious leaders dictate government policy and laws. We say we don't like that. But, it seems like we're letting it happen here.

i think "king"'s sarcasim is right on! he/she said

"I think the Bishop has the right idea. I say we kick everyone out of the Catholic church who is divorced, who supports divorce, is an unwed parent, supports the death penalty, supports the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, doesn't give %10 of their income to the church, is gay, supports the GLBT community, etc. Then when all the non-believers are gone, the Catholic Church (and its 10 remaining members) can voluntarily relinquish its tax-exempt status and support which ever political causes and politicians it so chooses."

classic response!

Please.............Two adult men,stop this public bickering.Stop posturing. Each of you on your own go back to what you do for a living.Kennedy to attempt to serve Rhode Island in Washington. Bishop Tobin to attempt to Help R I Catholics in need.Do not pretend it is a State wide issue. Agree to disagree and get on with your lives separately.
Trust me, we have heard enough.
Greyfox

It seems to me that the separation of Church and State should go in BOTH directions. Also, the Bishop does not appear to understand the concept of compromise that is the basis of getting work done in Washington.

Mr Darcy-thank you for the accurate depiction of the Bishop's position. Unfortunately, most of the commentors are missing the greater point. I am glad you put this situation in its proper context. I hope people read your comment and enlighten themselves with the facts behind the Bishop's actions. Very well done.

IF tobin wants all catholics including
KENNEDY TO leave the CHURCH because of
this issue[[ABORTION]]the church would
have to close and lock its doors.
REMBER what JESUS said judge not lest
you tobin be judged-----HELLO

I would suggest to any Catholic Rhode Islander who sides with Kennedy to study the Episcopal Church and consider that their own personal faith might be more in line with this denomination.

Episcopalians are part of one "Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church" and share many traditions with the Roman Catholic Church. Yet, their positions on issues such as homosexuality and abortion are more liberal (and presumably similar to RI liberal philosophy) and also vary greatly between members, parishes and dioceses. The Vatican recently reached out and invited Episcopalians who feel their church is too liberal to join the Catholic Church. I am sure that the Episcopal Church would welcome any Catholic who feels their church is too conservative to join one of its many parishes.

To call oneself Catholic and yet not believe in the basic tenets of the faith, or fail to lead a Catholic life is hypocritical. (Hypocrisy: The practice of professing beliefs, feelings, standards or virtues that one does not hold or possess or that are contrary to one's real character or actual behavior, especially the pretence of virtue and piety.)

This is not a matter of separating religion and politics. I believe it is a matter of respecting our democracy enough to not elect a hypocrite to represent us, and of respecting our faith enough to follow it.

This is the trouble with R.I. Government. Outside agencies have so much say in what "We The People" do. The Constitution states clearly...There will be a seperation of Church and State. So if the church has a problem with Kennedy then excommunicate him and be done with it. Maybe they should clean up their own act and stop accepting money from people with questionable backgrounds or criminal ones. The hypocracy resounds with the Catholic Church. We didn't elect them and not everyone is Catholic in this State.

IT IS A SHAME THESE LIBERAL SHEEP HERDERS HAVE
SO MANY SHEEP FOLLOWING THEM AND TRYING TO
SAVE A POLITICAL IDIOT LIKE KENNEDY.TO ALL YOU
EDUCATED MORON'S WHO KEEP BASHING THE BISHOP.
HE IS ONLY PUTTING FORTH GOD'S WRITTEN WORDS!!
ASK ANY LIGITIMATE DENOMINATION IN THE COUNTRY
IT IS ONLY YOU LIBERAL YOUNG LETS REWRITE EVERY
THING TO SUIT OUR NEEDS HYPOCRITES,KEEP FOLLOWING
THE SHEEP HERDER SHEEP BAAHH,BAAHH

Jesus accepts everyone...bishop tobin isnt being very catholic.

Bishop Tobin needs to get out of the media and back to running the Diocese of Providence. Don't they have budget problems? Aren't they closing facilities and selling them to pay for their own wages of sin? Kennedy is no poster child by any means, but Bishop Tobin is trying to interject Religion into Politics. Where is the separation of church and state? Is this an attempt by Bishop Tobin to get even for the pledge Jack Kennedy made back when running for President? Neither Tobin or Patrick Kennedy should be using their bully pulpits to promote this circus. Healthcare is the real issue. It's a shame that while Bishop Tobin professes healthcare for all, he at the sametime attacks one segment of the bill. If this bill fails, Bishop Tobin will be among those with blood on their hands.

It seems to me that the Bishop might be a good Catholic, but he is not being a good Christian. I don't image the Jesus that is written about in the Gospels as being this exclusionary. Would Jesus, who told us all to "Love thy neighbor as thyself" agree with the words coming out of the Bishop's mouth? Bishop Tobin should really search his soul and see just whose mission he is fulfilling. Is it Jesus'? I do not think so.

Bishop Tobin should spend some more time seeking the counsel of Jesus and God before telling someone to seek another church.

Hey Bishop Tobin, maybe you would be more comfortable in another denomination. You are a joke, God forgive me, who do you think you are. Last time I checked you were not the Pope or God. You are wasting internet and paper space with your continued commments. Find some of your "brothers" to critize. That is a real problem, not Kennedy's view on abortion. You have alot of time on your hands and you make the Roman Catholics of RI look like a joke.

Maybe Tobin would be more comfortable as EX-BISHOP????

CHRIS MATTHEWS GAVE THIS POLITICAL BISHOP A GOOD BROW-BEATING

This bishop has brought discredit to the Catholic Church by going beyond the separation of state and church that has to exist. He stated that Kennedy started the row but overall, religions cannot interfere with lawmakers who have to represent the country and not their particular religious leaders.

This bishop, who is an admitted political junkie, just got carried away and is sure to back down.

All that it takes is a little analysis. How can any religious leader tell their followers how to make political decisions? If his logic was followed, no Catholics could be elected to office. They could not even serve on juries if they were to say that they could not follow what the law or judge says if it disagrees with their church says.

I think the Bishop would be 'more comfortable' as a politician or talk show host. He certainly does seem enjoy the limelight more than worry about the poor or sick.

So if Patrick needs to choose between the Chruch and abortion, then maybe all those supporting the war should have to choose also. After all according to the Catholic Church taking a human life is wrong no matter the circumstances

Outrageous!! I think this guy has lost his marbles or something. He really has gone off the deep end regarding the Congressman. His appearance on MSNBC last evening made that very apparent. He was a mumbling, stumbling, confused, and angry man. Something is definately wrong with this guy. He is acting very erratic and is quite frankly bizzare. Apparantly he is having a very difficult time with the Congressman challenging his authority. Who voted for Tobin?

Thomas Tobin is not long removed from his days as an associate pastor at a small New Castle, PA parish in the '70's. Yes, I knew him when.
He was a small-minded, climbing associate pastor who knew one phrase..."Yes, Monsignor." His only goal was to be bigger and better then. Perhaps he has reached his goal?
I thought the goal was HEAVEN, where all men aand women are welcomed by a loving Lord.
Sorry. I must be mistaken. THIS IS POLITICS. Time to reach for the heights!
Let's create more division, more bitterness. A new age is upon us!
Yes, monsignor!

The bishop should look first to himself as a compassionate christian. How does he know whether the congressman has a crisis of conscience with regards to his voting records as it relates to his faith.

Remember Bishy, don't write a check your mouth can't cash. As much as I dislike both the bishop and the congressman, Bishy baby is in a fight he can't win

Tobin might like to be ex catholic himself. So it's okay to have molster give out the bread and when you find out about them, just move. Bishop Tobin it's time for you to move on...

tobin is an idiot and wants the limelight. he represents exactly what is wrong with the catholic church and why it is dying so quickly in the US. good riddance to it...

I'm sick of you proabortion people trying to use
my money to kill baby's!

If it wasn't so serious, some of the comments here would be laughable.

Patrick considers himself a 'good' Catholic. But he comes out and very publicly criticizes the Catholic Church on the abortion issue. And he does so harshly. The Bishop responds and pens a letter in defense of the church's position. Patrick wails because the Bishop responded publicly. Huh?

Then people jump in and muddy the waters by talking about the separation of church and state. And they also criticize the Bishop because the church failed to take quick and decisive action in regard to some pedophiles that had infiltrated the church. At this rate it won't be too long before someone brings up the Crusades.

This is not to say the church hasn't had or and doesn't have problems. But the issue here is ABORTION. The church is opposed. Patrick says the church stands in the way of health care reform. The Bishop again says that Patrick is mistaken and only that the church is opposed to abortion. From his unknown hideout somewhere in an alternate universe Kennedy tells the press that the Bishop says he no longer can receive communion. The Bishop says that's not true.

In the meantime, people jump in and take sides on several issues while mostly forgetting that the focus should be on abortion. Kennedy says it's okay, the Bishop says it's not. In the end all this proves is that people will continue to complicate everything.

Boycott the church don't put any money in the plate this week

This is not about siding with Patrick Kennedy or not. As a catholic most of us hate abortion. This is about a blowhard rogue bishop stepping way over the line in attacking a fellow human being. We all know what our position is regarding abortion. But Bishop blowhard has turned this into a publicity stunt and to top it off he goes on the radio show of the biggest blowhard in the state-Buddy Cianci. Thes two children should both shut up. Stop the personal attacks it's making most Catholics in this state sick. This so-called bishop is off his rocker.

Confronting Kennedy...cofronting Guiliani in primaries in 2008....spaking out against gay rights.....it appears to me that Bishop Tobin is being so outspoken to get Rome's attention....the Bishop is campaigning for Arch-Bishop or Cardinal....make no mistake this is a battle between two politicians...one wearing a tie and the other a collar....

New: Tobin: Kennedy may be 'more comfortable' as ex-Catholic.

What gives "Bishop" Tobin the right to define Kennedy's religious preference to remain a Catholic? What is this? A club membership?

I'm seriously re-thinking my desire to remain a catholic due to Bishop Tobin acting as the head of the "Spanish Inquisistion" instead of repairing this injustice.

Bravo to Chris Matthews for advising His Excellency to refrain from writing law. Writing law and preaching morality are apples and oranges. It would benefit the Bishop to differentiate between the two (ie: seperation of church and state)....

Bishop Tobin - we have many idiots within state government doing what they do the best. Do you really need to bloody RI even more with your nationally televised rants? STAY OUT OF GOVERNMENT UNTIL YOU (THE CHURCH) PAYS TAXES....

When will Kennedy do something constructive?The only time we hear from him is when he says or does something stupid

The catholic church has always held this view on abortion. The church's position on abortion has been a constant throughout the years. Why is the church criticized for starting trouble for simply repeating its position. And how do people who use their political position to stymie the church on an important issue of doctrine insist they are Roman Catholics. It does seem a little "precious" on Kennedy's part to insist he wants it both ways; to be an abortion advocate and a good catholic who deserves the catholic vote (at least to this agnostic). BTW, I wonder how many know the Hippocratic Oath read in part, "..and similarly I will not give a woman a pessary to cause an abortion..." Hippocrates of Cos was such a troublemaker, trying to alienate "modern" catholics all the time.

Rep. Kennedy protests the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Fair enough; he is one among many -- Martin Luther, John Calvin and others who similarly disagreed come to mind. Church rules are clear. If Kennedy is unable to sway the bishop and the church to his way of thinking he should man-up and elevate his game from that of protester to Protestant.

How does he know whether the congressman has a crisis of conscience with regards to his voting records as it relates to his faith.

That would require having a conscience in the first place.

Whether Tobin is right or wrong doesn't even matter. Matthews brought the Bishop on the show to lecture him. Nothing more. Matthews never let him complete a sentence. Matthews even told the Bishop, "Go ahead," and then IMMEDIATELY cut him off as soon as he opened his mouth.

It wasn't an interview, it was an ambush.

Projo - enough already! You may have to change your name to "The Visitor".

This really isn't about God or salvation but about power and politics. I wish someone at the Vatican would make a phone call to Providence to put this ego driven bishop in his place. He is an embarrassment to the church.

It is hard for me to believe that people in Rhode Island are defending this incompetent, priviledged, incomprehensible blowhard. Must be because his name is Kennedy and the State is Rhode Island.

When the church acts like true role models, then and only then can they dictate what parishoners should do. When the Catholic church properly handle priests who "touch little boys", break their celebracy vows and lack the graces of good counselors then and only then can the church dictate laws. There is a growing disease in Rhode Island; outsiders coming into the state with some crazy ideas.
Bishop Tobin needs to straighten out his own house before messing with someone else's house!
Is the church willing to take care of all the babies that people don't want. If you think people are going to stop having sex, to reduce the pregnancies and abortions -- you better think again. I am not for abortion, but I am for a person's right to choose their own destiny. This isn't pre-60's when women would have been disgraced if they had become pregnant without marriage. People are getting pregant and then realizing they don't want the child. Is the church going to love and take care of a parentless child? Bishop Tobin needs to try to help our social problems instead of going after Senator Kennedy! The senator's job is to vote for what his people want, not what the Catholic Church wants. Bishop needs to stay out of politics.

Tobin is showing himself to be a very petty and arrogant man. Has he forgotten that it is not his role to judge?

While Patrick Kennedy surely has his issues, this supposed bishop is making him a sympathetic figure. While both are being diminished, Tobin and by extension his church are the bigger losers.

Tobin's media tour tells you a lot about the man. He craves attention. How sad it is for RI Catholics to have such a person in charge. He is no man of God.

Bishop Tobin's foray into the American political healthcare debate reflects the Catholic Church's usual approach to complex human problems. His publically judgmental reaction to Kennedy emanates from the Church's fixation on the 16th century theology of of St. Thomas Aquinas. The church has not grown beyond the 16th century in its social teachings. Unfortunately the resultant intellectual myopia has a damaging effect on the faithful who still experience the Church as their only agent in their relationship with God.

This entire Tobin-Kennedy controversy lays bare the ugly underbelly that plagues contemporary Catholicism: The sex scandals of the past 5 decades, the hypocrisy of the chronic coverups, the anti-condom campaigns waged in African nations ravaged by AIDS, the foolish policies that render sinful married men's lusting after their wives.

The point is that the Catholic Church's overly simplistic, rigid, black and white, anti-intellectual teachings on contemporary morality and human nature are no longer grounded in the human condition. It is no wonder that American Catholics have abandoned the Church to pursue a personal God or in other venues of Christian congregate worship.

So the church is loosing members and Tobin has just done an excellent job of alienating many, many more. I guess the church isn't inclusive. It will exclude you if you can't follow its doctrine. That doesn't sound like Gods way at all. It's too bad that the church isn't focusing on ending the wars or managing its money so it doesn't have to close churches. Oh wait they're probably having to close churches because of all the penalties they had to pay due to the molestation charges. I think that it is ironic that Tobin wants to exclude folks that don't agree with the doctrine while the church just moved bad priest from church to church allowing them to continue with their reign of terror. Tobin you should be ashamed of yourself.

Maybe Tobin would be better as an ex-Bishop??

Bishop Tobin, if you're listening; it's because of men like you, and strong-arm tactics like this, that I am no longer a practicing Catholic.

I have long considered the Catholic church a self-interested group of bullies, and am much happier in a different denomination.

I don't particularly care for Oatrick Kennedy, but his stance on the issue is of less importance to me than his obligation as a U.S. Senator to answer to a far larger group of constituents. Kennedy was elected to represent the interests of the people of the State of Rhode Island as a whole, not the Catholic members or its clergy.

You have brought much attention to yourself and this issue, unfortunately you can't see that it's not the complimentary kind.

You like like a threatening, overbearing, pompous windbag, and the church heirarchy would be far better served by someone else.

What's even worse than Kennedy publically opposing the tenets of his religion is Kennedy refusing to represent the wishes of the majority of the his constituents; RI is the most heavily catholic state in the US. In addition, a 2009 Gallup Poll has shown that the majority of people in the US also oppose abortion. So Kennedy is definitely out there voting his "conscience" and not representing the people who put him there.

What a total embarrassment he is.

"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone." With this simple phrase, Jesus silenced an angry crowd ready to execute a women caught in adultery. His words challenged them to judge themselves before judging others.
JOHN 8:1-11

If you are a TRUE Roman Catholic perhaps you should start reading the Bible again and listening to what it has to say. I don't think any of us are in the place to "cast the first stone"

Wow. Bishop Tobin, SHUT UP. I'm embarrassed to be a Catholic in RI right now. And it is NOT because of Crazy Patrick Kennedy.

"FORGIVE AND FORGET", "FORGIVE ME FATHER"!!!!!! THESE ARE SOME OF THE WORDS FROM THE BIBLE.BISHOP TOBIN,YOU HAVE GONE ASTRAY.IT SEEMS TO ME THAT YOU LIKE TO CREATE CONTROVERSY WITHIN THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH.DID YOU FORGET THAT YOU ARE A MESSENGER OF THE HOLY FATHER,NOT THE HOLY FATHER HIMSELF??? YOU SEEM TO LIKE YOUR NAME/PICTURE IN THE HEADLINES TO MUCH?? I DON'T THINK THAT YOU ARE REPRESENTING THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN A GOOD WAY. STOP YOUR HE SAID ,BACK AND FORTH SPARING WITH THE YOUNG MAN.YOU COME OFF SOUNDING LIKE A BACK ALLEY BULLY. I WAS BROUGHT UP WITH RESPECT FOR THE TEACHINGS OF THE LORD AND HUMANITY.YOU NEED TO TAKE A STEP BACK AND STOP,BEFORE THIS GETS MORE OUT OF CONTROL.

David said:
I'm sick of you proabortion people trying to use
my money to kill baby's!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I find it curious that Catholics hypocritically want it both ways when it comes to money. They are indignant that they don't want their money going to social services agencies funding choice, but they have no problem accepting public funds. I don't want MY money going to the catholics!! I demand they be taken off the public dole. Stop blood sucking tax money and pay your own way!! They do some good yes, but so do lay social service agencies. Why should my tax dollars be going to an entity that has admitted to the completely unacceptable practice of enabling child molesters and capital punishers?! I guarantee you that catholics involved in government sanctioned capital murders that are performed in prisons are receiving the eucharist. They have no problem having it both ways there either. Right or wrong David? Tobin got off very lightly with Chris Matthews. Come talk to me sir, we'll see where your morality squares.

Where does the Church - and its Doberman Tobin, get off deciding abortion is THE moral issue of our age? While it certainly deserves serious moral discernment, war and poverty and greed and the exploitation of workers and children are grievous matters, too. Why does the Church refuse to "draw a line in the sand" on these matters?
Drome missiles slaughtering civilians in the Middle East; rushing US GIs into harm's way and sending them back often maimed, dead, or with post-traumatic stress? remaining quiet while Wall Street, the poster boy for all that's wrong with the American system, rapes and pillages the country; and often tolerating all that's unjust, violent, and dehumanizing in the American way of life. Bishop, remove the beam from thine eye.

Tobin really has crossed the line. I think he's a crazy person.

Wow... all of you who think that the bishop is out of line and support Patrick Kennedy, I suppose that you would also have thought that St. Paul was out of line for wanting to excommunicate a member of the Church in Corinth for sleeping with his step-mother. I cannot believe the number of misinformed Christians posting ridiculous comments such as the bishop is not being very Christ-like, or Jesus accepts everyone, etc. Certainly Jesus invites everone to repentance, but this same Jesus also states that the church is to expel the unrepentant brother if admonishment has not had its effect in bringing about his return. Seems to me that the good bishop is acting rather Christ-like.

This childish back and forth bickering between both is inappropriate. Both parties should get on with what's important and stop all the posturing.

I'd be more comfortable with Kenndey as an ex-Congressman.

I think that Tobin has a hidden agenda. He is not God, he is to teach the works and ant "the Word". Who is he to judge? That is God's job...the jury is out on this one.
If it is considered a sin to have an abortion, then it is between God and the woman who had it. Man cannot save one's soul.

Regardless of Patrick's personal religious views he must represent the views of the majority in his district. This is the fundamental principle and reality of our democratic government. Failing to do this he would be voted out of office. It seems like the bishops real agenda is trying to influence a political decision.

Wow, looks like Bishop Tobin wants to turn his 15 minutes of fame into his own late night talk show. Of course, everyone you had on your talk show would have to be, what you consider, perfect. Well, it certainly would narrow down the guest list considerably, wouldn't it? Haven't you had enough Catholics turn their back on the church because of the rampant pedophilia the church tried so hard to cover up? I guess I'm going to have to check the bible again and find where it says the rape of boys by priests is condoned by the church. I think what you can expect out of all this is a phone call from the Cardinal telling you to clap a lid on it. Quite frankly, if you're that frustrated a politician then give up the priesthood and run for a seat in Congress.

Oh well!!! I hope this week we don't see any mothers going to communion with no or only one or two children... Remember you can't use birth control.. Bishop stop this and serve no women with under 7-10 children ;)...

In watching from Chicago, I am saddened by the loss of dialogue that these events represent.

Dialogue would have allowed Kennedy to explain to the Bishop that you can be against abortion and also be against the government having a limited role role in the decision (kind of like our current approach on another form of intentional violence - the ownership of guns).

Dialogue would have allowed the Bishop to explain how his strategy of restricting sacraments in order to obtain a constitutional amendment that would result in a legal prohibition of abortions is somehow far more effective than simply and quietly working to raise funds for counseling, adoption and other support services for pregnant women that would help them make a different choice.

Meanwhile, minimally qualified journalists feed the fire of the usual divisive Republican strategies by referring to Kennedy as an "abortion supporter."

My faith preaches dialogue. We are all good people here, and none of us are the monsters that a good Internet story would like us to believe.

Why are we women acting ignorant of the birth control procedure a doctor can do to block us from getting pregnant and it stays there for about 11 years? not tying the tubes-that's different.Why does everyone keep these abortion issue alive including us women, politicians, churches? Are politicians, abortion clinics, churches, women just not mentioning it because the pharmaceutical companies would lose money in birth control pills, etc... sales? Why doesn't Patrick Kennedy mention this birth control procedure to women? It would sure help us have a higher chance of not getting pregnant and avoid abortion.

Kennedys love the pomp and circumstance of Catholicism. They get baptized. live like pagans, and then expect to be buried in holy ground as Catholics. The bishop is just telling Rep. Kennedy to live like a Catholic. What is wrong with that?

387

Nice to see good old fashioned, Know-Nothing Catholic bashing is alive and well.

As a life long Catholic, I have witnessed the fact that the Church's leaders across this Country, did, in fact, tried to cover up the appalling fact that some of its' priests were molesting youngsters until it could no longer cover for the molesting priests, and which did cost the Catholic Church, hundreds of million dollars in lawsuits. Where was Bishop Tobin at that time, and why didn't he call for those criminal priests to be immediately excommunicated. It seems like Bishop Tobin is wanting to pick, and choose his battles. Although Patrick Kennedy may not follow the Church's views, and the commandment of, "Thy Shall Not Kill", when it comes to Abortion in certain circumstances, the Church, and Bishop Tobin, is not calling for Catholics in the military not to Kill during any war time. As a former Marine, should I, and millions of other Catholic veterans, refused to kill during any combat, or is the commandment, "Thou Shall Not Kill", have a double meaning, in different situations? I would like to ask Bishop Tobin, if there is a gray area, when it comes to the Catholic Church's view on the Commandment of, "Thou Shall Not Kill". I DO believe that when Moses received the Commandments, the words, "there are exceptions to the rule", did NOT exist, and were never meant to exist in any Mortals' interpertation of the Commandments. Let's not be hypocrites, Bishop Tobin would surely be excommunicating millions of Catholics in this Country, because they cannot follow his views, while he does NOT follow the Commandments, as they were Written, very Simply, without exceptions. I will NOT judge any other Catholic views, I will only follow my own Heart, and be judged myself come the Day that I Leave this mortal World. Just maybe, All believing Catholics in Jesus Christ, Should Follow their Hearts, and not the Word of another mere Mortal Man.