Patrick Kennedy & Loretta Sanchez 2 of 3

Patrick Kennedy & Loretta Sanchez 2 of 3

Bishop Tobin’s Public Letter to Rep. Patrick Kennedy – continued

What does it mean to be Catholic? “The fact that I disagree with the hierarchy does not make me any less of a Catholic.” Well, in fact, Congressman in a way it does. 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 explicit in recent documents.

For example, the “Code of Cannon Law” says, “Lay persons are bound by an obligation and possess the right to acquire knowledge of Christian doctrine adapted to their capacity and condition so that they can live in accord with that doctrine.” (Canon 229 # l)

The “Catechism of the Catholic Church” says this: “Mindful of Christ’s words to his apostles, ‘He, who hears you, hears me,’ the faithful receive with (#87) docility the teaching and directives that their pastors give them in different forms.”

Or consider the statement of the Church: “It would be a mistake to confuse the proper autonomy exercised by Catholics in political life with the claim of a principle that prescinds from the moral and social teachings of the Church.” (Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, 2002)

There’s lots of canonical and theological verbiage there, Congressman, but it means is that if you don’t accept the teachings of the Church your communion with the Church is flawed, or in your own words makes you “less of a Catholic.”

But let’s get down to a more practical question: let’s approach this way: What does it mean really, to be a Catholic? After all, a Catholic has to mean something, right? To be continued

George H. Kubeck, In pursuit of the truth – The Feast of the Holy Family, Sunday, December 27, 2009 - www.cinopsbegone.com -