PATRICK KENNEDY & LORETTA SANCHEZ - 3 OF 3

Patrick Kennedy & Loretta Sanchez 3 of 3

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

After all, being a Catholic has to mean something, right? Well, in simple terms- and here I refer only to those more visible, structural elements of Church membership – being a Catholic means that your are part of a faith community that possesses a clearly defined authority and doctrine, obligations and expectations on essential matters of faith and morals: that you belong to a local community, a parish: and you attend Mass on Sundays and receive the sacraments regularly: that you support the Church personally, publicly, spiritually and financially.

Congressman, I’m not sure whether or not you fulfill the basic requirements of being a Catholic, so let me ask: Do you accept the teachings of the Church on essential matters of faith and morals, including our stance on abortion? Do you belong to a local Catholic community, a parish? Do you attend Mass on Sundays and receive the sacraments regularly? Do you support the Church, personally, publicly, spiritually and financially?

In your letter you say that you “embrace your faith.” Terrific. But if you don’t fulfill the basic requirements of membership, what is it exactly that makes you Catholic? Your baptism as an infant? Your family ties? Your cultural heritage?
Your letter also says that your faith “acknowledges the existence of an imperfect humanity.” Absolutely true. But in confronting your rejection of the Church teaching, we’re not dealing just with “an imperfect humanity” – as we do when we wrestle with sins such an anger, pride, greed, impurity or dishonesty. We all struggle with those things, and often fail.

Your rejection of the Church’s teaching on abortion falls into a different category – it’s a deliberate and obstinate act of the will; a conscious decision that you’ve 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 you communion with the Church.

Congressman Kennedy, I write these words not to embarrass you or to judge the state of your conscience or soul. That’s ultimately between you and God. But your description of your relationship with the Church is now a matter of public record, and it needs to be challenged. I invite you, as your bishop and brother in Christ, to enter into a sincere process of discernment, conversion and acceptance. It’s not too late for you to repair you relationship with the Church, redeem your public image, and emerge as an authentic ‘profile in courage,’ especially by defending the sanctity of human life for all people, including unborn children. & if I can ever be of assistance as you travel the road of faith. I would be honored to do so.

Sincerely,
T. Tobin, Bishop of Providence, http://lifesitenews.com /2000/nov/09111111.html

George H. Kubeck, Feast of the Holy Innocents, Mon. Dec. 28/09 - www.cinopsbegone.com
P.S. This is a most serious matter which is applicable to all Catholic-label politicians.