Soaps.com - MESSAGE BOARDS

Is this really necessary or fair? Who is the Catholic church to judge anyone on moral issues---they are not God nor should never think they represent Him in anyway considering the number of priests who've molested children and the lengths taken to protect the molesters...let's not forget the numerous years this church has oppressed civilizations throughout the ages with their vision of 'morality' to push the dominance of their home country.

Now, here we go with the debate about House Rep. Patrick Kennedy supporting pro-choice rights for women. And somehow, this is unacceptable to the point of denying the man communion in his house of worship.

Check out the interview below with Bishop Tobin---he was the one who denied Patrick communion.


Bishop bans Kennedy from Communion


Nov. 23: Bishop Thomas Tobin, who has banned Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., from receiving Holy Communion due to his views on abortion, talks about the line between public and private life for politicians.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/34116440#34116440

I am a Roman Catholic and would like to say that the church has changed - - and MANY COUPLES have been granted "annulments", NOT just the Kennedys.

Also, it is an absolute "untruth" that "countless" Kennedy men have been granted annulments. This is simply not true and stated without research.

Ever since the Church began recognizing psychological grounds for annulments in 1970, there’s been an absolute explosion in their number.

Also, saying that the church "has taken" the Kennedys monies - - is a little far fetched. They HAD money as do other wealthy families and they DONATE that money.

So, even though you may not agree with what the "church" did in the case of Patrick Kennedy, which to me is becoming political now, we need to get our facts straight..

Thank you.

And, OspreyGirl - - this same bishop asked Kennedy to refrain from taking communion back in February, 2007 - - this is not the first time.

I think this is entirely political now and that is a shame.

If Kennedy doesn't like the stances that the Catholic church takes then don't be a member. It's that simple. The fact that he brought this out into the public tells a lot about the strength of his own faith. This was a personal matter between him and his spiritual leader. The church didn't bring this into the public, he did. So the Catholic church is not playing politics. Kennedy was treated no differently then any other Catholic. Kennedy is trying to make himself look like a victim. As a Catholic, I don't know if I agree with refusing him communion, but I do know that I don't agree with Kennedy coming out to the media about it. By doing so he is backing his personal spiritual adviser and "beloved church" into a corner and bringing bad publicity to the church for his own benefit. Seems like Kennedy is begging for a hug, since the church won't give him one.

And, by the way, even a practicing Catholic will tell you that receiving communion is not what takes you to "life everylasting" - - it is what is within you - - between you and God.

Can either ClicQ or Puddy cite references as to whether or not the catholic church has or has not taken money from the Kennedys? This is very interesting...

If they have taken Kennedy finances over the years--which I'm inclined to believe is true--then that just adds to the hypocrisy of this church.

If they haven't taken any funds from the Kennedys, for me, it really is not an issue if they haven't because the catholic church needs to keep its nose out of a woman's uterus and instead direct their attention to the faithful that follow the church's doctrines.

No religion should be enforcing its doctrines or will upon the American people. I don't care how passionate the argument or 'moral right' seems to be....a major reason for our country coming into being was freedom of expression--religion, included.

And back to the interview clip and Chris' question, if the catholic church want to impress their beliefs about women's reproductive rights, then what would they deem to be the legal ramifications on those who've had an abortion as well as those who've administered the procedures?

But the Bishop swatted back and said that all politicians and persons of the Catholic faith need to put their religion first before anything else. Here's the error--religion is very different from faith. When people start tagging titles like Excellency and such, there is a Pharisiacal thing that takes over---they begin to presume they are the embodiment of God and must be obeyed as such---this is twisted and wrong...IMO.

When clergy are stating you MUST obey the religion, they are stating you need to obey them and their rules. When you have faith, that is your relationship with God alone, and is separate from the clergy. The clergy and God are NOT THE SAME. The clergy should be speaking and preaching the word of God minus the threats.

So let me get this straight, just because the Kennedys have donated money to the Church, they are entitled to the right to communion no matter what? Because they paid for their communion?? Isnt that why the Protestants broke away from the church?

Im standing with the church on this one. Not letting money influence a moral issue is the right thing to do.

Any Priest can deny anyone communion if they so desire. The Priest was well within his rights given by the church!