Bishop Tobin says Rep. Kennedy is in ‘flawed communion’ with the Church

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Rep. Patrick Kennedy / Bishop Thomas Tobin

Providence, R.I., Nov 11, 2009 / 06:06 am (CNA).- Bishop of Providence Thomas J. Tobin has responded to Rep. Patrick Kennedy’s contention that his dissent from Catholic teaching on abortion does not make him “less of a Catholic.” Saying that such dissent renders the lawmaker's communion “flawed,” he urged Kennedy to become a “profile in courage” and to defend the unborn.

Rep. Kennedy (D-R.I.), the son of the late U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, had accused the Catholic Church of fanning “the flames of dissent and discord” because of the Catholic bishops’ opposition to proposed health care reform that does not explicitly prohibit funding of abortion.

Bishop Tobin responded critically to the congressman and asked for an apology.

A meeting had been scheduled between the prelate and the politician, but a Tuesday statement from the Diocese of Providence said it had been postponed.

“Bishop Tobin remains hopeful the he can meet with Congressman Kennedy in a personal and pastoral setting in the very near future,” the diocese reported.

Responding to Rep. Kennedy in his Nov. 12 diocesan newspaper column, Bishop Tobin said he usually does not speak about someone’s faith in a public setting but it has become an issue in his exchange with Rep. Kennedy.

The bishop focused on Rep. Kennedy’s comment in an Oct. 29 letter in which the Congressman said:

“The fact that I disagree with the hierarchy on some issues does not make me any less of a Catholic.”

Bishop Tobin said the statement could not go unchallenged because it raises an important question about what it means to be a Catholic.

In a way, Bishop Tobin commented, disagreement with the Catholic hierarchy does make someone less of a Catholic.

“Although I wouldn’t choose 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, their unity with the Church.

“This principle is based on the Sacred Scripture and Tradition of the Church and is made more explicit in recent documents,” the bishop explained.

He cited sections from canon law and the Catechism of the Catholic Church about the layman’s obligation to learn Christian doctrine and to live in accord with it.

One’s refusal to accept the teaching of the Church, Bishop Tobin added, makes one’s communion with the Church “flawed.”

He explained that a Catholic believes and accepts the teaching of the Church “especially on essential matters of faith and morals.” A Catholic must also belong to a local parish, attend Mass on Sunday, and receive the sacraments regularly.

Further, a Catholic must give personal, public, spiritual and financial support to the Church.

Bishop Tobin asked whether Rep. Kennedy accepted these “basic requirements of being a Catholic,” including the Catholic stance on abortion.

The bishop said it was “terrific” that Rep. Kennedy has said he embraces his faith. But he wondered what makes Kennedy a Catholic.

Rep. Kennedy’s rejection of Catholic teaching on abortion is a different category than ordinary human imperfection, Bishop Tobin added. Rather, he wrote, it is “a deliberate and obstinate act of the will” that has been re-affirmed “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,” the bishop continued.

The prelate told Rep. Kennedy that he wrote his words not to embarrass or judge him but to correct the public record and to invite him into “a sincere process of discernment, conversion and repentance.”

He said Rep. Kennedy could still repair his relationship with the Church and redeem his public image. Alluding to the book by the congressman’s uncle, President John F. Kennedy, he said Rep. Kennedy could become an authentic “profile in courage” by defending the sanctity of unborn human life.

Comments: 32

Subscriber comments:

Published by: John Flavor
Youngstown, Ohio, USA 11/16/2009 08:37 AM EST

I find the public attack of Rep. Patrick Kennedy very distasteful. The personal attack served to demean his position and the church. Church politics are the worst and this smacks of it at it's greatest. Bishop Tobin could and should have written an article stating church doctrine without the personal agenda. We from his former diocese remember the statement in the Youngstown Vindicator after the election of former President Bush. We need to remember that the church is very complex and more than a one subject community. He could have cited all the good that Rep. Kennedy does - but then that wouldn't have been made it nationally. His statement, "Further, a Catholic MUST give personal, public, spiritual and financial support to the Church.," would have destroyed several good Catholics during depressive times. I know these Catholic families, who did not practice birth control, unable to financially support the church or themselves. His use of the word "must," is misplaced. His general statements "A Catholic must also belong to a local parish," since when? Bishop Tobin has a personal agenda and I've always found it to destroy more than it builds.

Published by: Rory Flick
California 11/12/2009 08:09 PM EST

re: Chein's comment-"For those claiming to be Catholics but against the Catholic Church's teachings: "So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth. ... so be zealous and repent." (Revelation 3:16-19)" You can't say it any better than that. Anyone stating that they disagree on ANY point of the Church is raising themselves above God, Jesus Christ, and the Church he founded on St. Peter to this day!

Published by: M CM
Colorado Springs, CO 11/12/2009 05:30 PM EST

3 cheers for Bishop Tobin, I am delighted to have Bishop Tobin stand up and be counted as a Bishop who demands respect for and love for our dogmas of our Catholic Church. I don't want our hierarchy watering down the very faith and morals that are part of our heritage. I hope Rep. Kennedy will find the courage to meet with Bishop Tobin so that Rep. Kennedy can become a follower of the church he says he embraces. I pray for both Bishop tobin and Rep Kennedy.

Published by: jay
janssen 11/12/2009 03:14 PM EST

other bishops should be like Bishop Tobin..many remain silent on the abortion issue.afraid to say anything..

Published by: B. F.
Omaha 11/12/2009 01:32 PM EST

"I think disagreement with the hierarchy does not make one less of a catholic. Kennedy is right." - Thomas, disagreement of the Church hierarchy on matters of faith INDEED makes one less of a Catholic. Patrick Kennedy is in serious need of spiritual help. His very soul is depending on it. The Church doesn't make this stuff up. It's up to the Church to protect the faithful from egraciously wrong teachings, like the acceptance of abortion as being okay. I pray that you and Patrick will come to realize this before you are called to account for your lives.

Published by: Harry
Cincinnati/OH/US 11/12/2009 11:23 AM EST

Not only is Patrick Kennedy less of a Catholic, he is less of a man.

Published by: Chien
Antioch/CA/USA 11/11/2009 11:59 PM EST

For those claiming to be Catholics but against the Catholic Church's teachings: "So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth. ... so be zealous and repent." (Revelation 3:16-19)

Published by: thomas
india 11/11/2009 11:26 PM EST

i think disagreement with the hierarchy does not make one less of a catholic. Kennedy is right.

Published by: ed mascardo
California 11/11/2009 10:42 PM EST

Rep. Kennedy is just one among the many catholics who hold big position in the country who share the same stance on abortion. They too should be dealt with by their own bishop like Nancy P.They should be either cold or hot but not lukewarm or else they will be spewed out. Hep hep hurray to Bishop Tobin!!! YOU ARE A GOOD SHEPHERD

Published by: L.G.
Rhode Island 11/11/2009 05:46 PM EST

Kennedy is shameful but too arrogant and prideful and political to admit he is so very, very wrong and so very, very, anti-Catholic. I am personally disgusted with him and other so-called Catholics who claim to be Catholic but who are not,in fact.

Published by: wluckey
Front Royal, VA 11/11/2009 04:55 PM EST

Now let's see if Kennedy "puts up or shuts up."

Published by: Steve Goldstraw
Austin/Texas?US 11/11/2009 03:53 PM EST

Many politicians continue to call themselves Catholic even though they consciously and very publicly ridical very basic grave matters. They continue to call themselves Catholic based on the justification it is their "heritage". They were "raised" Catholic. They continue this contradiction merely to gain political power which they then use to kill more children.

Published by: Steve Goldstraw
Austin/Texas/US 11/11/2009 03:45 PM EST

At least one bishop is doing something to clarify the public discussion. I asked the same thing of Archbishop Niederauer and have heard nothing. Most Rev. George H. Niederauer: There is an increasing amount of confusion being created by politicians who say they are Catholic in public and take very active action to legislate in favor of abortion. Not only does this bring confusion to Catholics allowing them to believe they can take morally ambiguous stands on very grave matters, but it also misrepresents the Cathoilc faith in a very public way to the entire country and displays the Church's beliefs as compromised for political expediency. I ask you to seriously consider the negative impact this has on the community of believers and to all the possible people to evangelize to. Please advise ___ to stop advocating for increased abortion coverage and federal funding or ask ___ to stop publicly identifying herself as Catholic.

Published by: Thecla St. Romain
Breaux Bridge, LA. USA 11/11/2009 03:05 PM EST

To Representative Patrick Kennedy, Your decision to support the funding for abortion far exceeds your association with the Romain Catholic Church. The Word of God (the Bible) tells us, "THOU SHALL NOT KILL"; so Representative Patrick Kennedy God will be dealing with you concerning this serious matter and you will not be alone. Every person who voted the way you did is now in the hands of God Almighty. May He have mercy on each one of you. In the service of God, Thecla St. Romain

Published by: George
Boardman, Ohio 11/11/2009 02:48 PM EST

Great job, Bishop Tobin. He is one of the most corageous Catholic hierarchs who defends the Church dogmas and defines what means to be Catholic. The Kenedys have abused the Church for many decades for not living the faith, but being selective. Rep. Pat Kennedy should be temporary excommunicated until remorse will be manifested in the same manner the offense was brought. And the same treatment should be applied to all those Catholics who voted with pro-abortion and same sex marriage presidential candidate. What disgrace! Lord have mercy on these false Christians. Thanks God for a Bishop like His Grace Bishop Tobin!

Published by: N.J.
clearwater,fl 11/11/2009 02:08 PM EST

Why all the double standards with some 'members' of the Church. It is really simple the rules were set by God. Bishop Tobin should say enough is enough. Kennedy is doing damage to those who are being pushed to kill their own babies while he grandstands.

Published by: Gregory
leawood, kansas 11/11/2009 01:35 PM EST

"Terribly and swiftly shall He come against you, because judgment is stern for the exalted." -Wisdom 6:5 "Judgment is stern" for government leaders. "The mighty shall be mightily put to the test" (Wis 6:6). "For those in power a rigorous scrutiny impends" (Wis 6:8). Government leaders are not the only ones to be judged more strictly by God. Bible teachers and Church leaders also "will be called to the stricter account" (Jas 3:1). In fact, on Judgment Day, Christians will be judged more strictly; because, "when much has been given a man, much will be required of him" (Lk 12:48). We Christians have been given more. We have been given salvation, new life, freedom, peace, power, forgiveness, mercy, Holy Communion, God's word, the Church, the indwelling of the Trinity, everlasting happiness, etc. Because more has been given to us, more will be asked of us. Finally, we Catholics will be judged even more strictly than those mentioned above. We believe the Lord has given the Catholic Church the fullness of His revelation and power. We will be judged accordingly. In an encyclical letter, Pope John Paul II quotes from Vatican II: "Those who are incorporated in the Catholic Church...'owe their distinguished status not to their own merits but to Christ's special grace; and if they fail to respond to this grace in thought, word, and deed, not only will they not be saved, they will be judged more severely' " (Mission of the Redeemer, 11).

Published by: Cindy
Naples, Florida 11/11/2009 01:05 PM EST

God Bless the Bishop for taking a public stand. NOW, let's get Nancy Pelossi to repent.

Published by: Joan L. Roccasalvo
Bronx 11/11/2009 12:43 PM EST

Bishop Tobins' choice of the word flawed is kind and pastoral. All other bishops in whose dioceses pro-abortion congressmen/women serve should be challenged to the same question that Bishop Tobin posed to Mr. Kennedy. The Church holds the truth on the abortion issue and the abortion advocates know this. Even the acclaimed agnostic-cultural Jew, Charles Krauthammer acknowledges the prenatal life of a baby. We in the church are witnessing scandal thourgh jarring messages from these law-makers who claim to be "personally opposed, but." They have been tutored in this view by the late Father Drinan, S.J. who virulently advocated for the separation of church and state and concluded that abortion had to be advanced because it was legal. He did not mention that, though legal, abortion is immoral ... like slavery. If the bishops wish to identify their pro-abortion consitutuents, they may consult Prof Anne Hendersschott's article in the October issue of Catholic World Report.

Published by: Toni M. Gilhooley
Harrisburg, PA, USA 11/11/2009 12:41 PM EST

Thank God Bishop Tobin has become a profile in courage! In the interest of politics and poltical contributors in communities around Pennsylvania, many in the church are reluctant to speak out against those Catholics that support abortion.

Published by: Robert Walz
Oakdale MN 11/11/2009 12:37 PM EST

I understand that we should look to our Bishops for understanding of our faith. At the same time, I think it is not pastoral to call someone a "flawed" Catholic or to suggest that the person leave the Church or become a Protestant. If Jesus is our model, then we should point out the doctrinal or dogmatic differences ... but also respect the individual consciences of Catholics. They are Catholics by their baptism. We can disagree without being intolerant. In some cases, e.g. celibacy of priests or in my opinion, in the case of birth control pill, the Church may need to change, maybe wrong, or may need reforming. Jesus broke with some Jewish traditions, but he did not forsake his Jewish faith, albeit, His way was bigger than the Jewish Faith. We need to have in the Holy Spirit to guide us and we need to listen to each other ... Catholics to their Bishops and Bishops even to Catholics that love their Catholicism, but disagree even on fundamental, foundational, teachings, or even doctrines. Those disagreements don't bring scandal to the Church, they bring wisdom and compassion.

Published by: Tony
Delray Beach Florida USA 11/11/2009 12:30 PM EST

There is no question that the Church has always considered abortion as a sinful evil. One has only to read on of the oldest Chruch documents, The Didache, or looks at how the Church celebrates the Annunciation of the Immaculate Conception for an indication of when human life begins.

Published by: Bill Dougherty
Raleigh, NC 11/11/2009 12:29 PM EST

Thankyou Bishop Tobin for your courageous stand on this issue. I wish more Catholic Bishops would be so forth coming on calling out those public figures who say they are Catholic but who then dismiss, riducule, or openly flaunt their lack of fidelity to the Church and its teachings.

Published by: deacon ernest grosso
usa 11/11/2009 10:40 AM EST

He should be excommunicated until repentance...our church should divest themselves from the kennedy money and stop praching a watered down gospel

Published by: Bob
Queens, NY 11/11/2009 10:32 AM EST

Excellent! Well-handled! Firm and clear in presenting and reaffirming the teachings of the Church, and pastoral towards bringing home a lost sheep. The good Bishop himself presents a "profile in courage" to be emulated by ALL of his brothers of the USCCB.

Published by: Ma
Richmond, VA 11/11/2009 10:28 AM EST

I applaud Bishop Tobin for his authentic witness to Christ's teachings and for acting as a true disciple of Christ by teaching the truth to people who are misguided and living in relative moralism. I pray that there will be more bishops, clergy and women in Holy Orders who will be given the grace and gift of courage and wisdom. Let us keep Bishop Tobin as with all priests in our prayers!

Published by: M Macfarlane
Louisville, KY 11/11/2009 10:13 AM EST

I am pleased to see Bishops speaking out publicly against the false teachings advocated by so-called Catholic politicians.

Published by: susan
Illinois 11/11/2009 10:08 AM EST

This is great. We are all faced with Catholics who claim "love" "unity" while they disagree with the Church on Faith and Morals. Thank you to this great pastor!

Published by: Diane
VT 11/11/2009 07:49 AM EST

I am very thankful to Bishop Tobin. I'm sure this was a very hard decision to address to Mr Kennedy as well as the public.You are a wonderful Shepherd and I hope you will always love us and never run away. I hope you can inspire more Shepherds to also stand. Mr. Kennedy just needs to see how very backward it is to continue to support the pro-abortion stance. Be brave Mr. K. No one who you should truly care about will think ill of you for having a softer heart for the pre-born. You will Blessed, You will have Peace.

Published by: DLL
scituate Mass. USA 11/11/2009 07:45 AM EST

The work of those that created The Catechism of The Catholic is fairly recent but the teachings are extremely good. EWTN is also a great Television network as is Boston Catholic TV. EWTN has radio and podcasts. BCTV has podcasts. The Vatican has podcasts. CNA and Catholic news agency and Priests for Life all are informational as are many other Catholic websites. My point being is that protestant or Catholic it wasn't that long ago that there was more misinformation than information,to guide all Christian people. Many Catholics are victims of a very poor Catechesis. The Kennedy family grew up in a period of time when political formation was more important than spiritual. Pope John Paul 2 and Pope Benedict are reversing this trend. Pope Paul with Humane Vitae caused a revolution of confusion about contraception but he was right in everything he pontificated. The Kennedy's,as are many of us,victims of poor teaching and deception. The Holy Catholic Church now knows what is a really good catechesis and they have the resources to convey it. It is not the time to condemn the ignorant,it is time to instruct all Church members with a good catechesis. God have mercy on us all in our ignorance of you! Let the Church teach us and teach us properly to be obedient to you. Than abortion and many other sins of society might all come to an end. This is the new evangelization that JP2 hoped for.

Published by: kathy
chicago 11/11/2009 07:20 AM EST

Good for Bishop Tobin. He was not fooled by Kennedy's "apology." Let us pray!

Published by: Francis
Wareham MA 11/11/2009 07:07 AM EST

Good for Bishop Tobin. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, like his father before him, is a heretic and an apostate. If these "Catholics" can't uphold basic dogmas of the Catholic Church which come to us from Christ himself through holy tradition, the Bible and natural law (IE pro life, pro traditional marriage, against divorce, fornication, adultery, sodomy etc) then these people should be ANATHEMA! I hope Patrick listens to the Bishop and goes to the sacrament of reconciliation and repents for all of his sins and then publicly apologizes so he can be in good standing and a member of the true Church; and more importantly for the salvation of his immortal soul.

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