The Rhode Island bishop, who told U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy to abstain from receiving Holy Communion and publicly feuded with him last fall over his stance on abortion, today said he is praying for the departing congressman's future.
Bishop Thomas Tobin said in a statement, "I wish him well and pray that God will bless all of his future endeavors," according to the Boston Herald website.
Based on "some personal struggles," Kennedy has decided not to run for re-election to congress, which will probably mean that the Kennedy family will not be represented in Washington, D.C. for the first time in more than six decades. Kennedy made the announcement in a video clip that circulated in the media last night (February 11, 2010).
Because the Catholic Church rejects abortion -- and Kennedy had a track record of supporting abortion as a member of congress -- Bishop Tobin barred Kennedy from receiving Holy Communion, and instructed priests not to deliver the sacrament to him.
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No family in American history - not the Roosevelt, not the Adams, and certainly not the Bush families - have paid a higher price in the service of the people than the Kennedys. And to be perfectly honest with you, I'm sick and tired of listening to them get kicked around by the clueless right wing.
ReplyDeleteIt was announced yesterday that Ben Quayle, son of the former vice-president, will be running for congress. We here, at this glorious moment in the history of our great nation, are proud and privileged to bear witness to the birth of the Quayle family political dynasty.
I need a drink.
http://www.tomdegan.blogspot.com
Tom Degan
Goshen, NY
It's heartening to see that the bishop wishes him well...Speaking of forgiveness, have you considered writing about the Eastern Orthodox tradition of forgiveness vespers? Very interesting...
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