Catholic bishop: No communion for Patrick Kennedy

According to Congressman Patrick Kennedy, he was asked not to receive Holy Communion by Bishop Thomas Tobin of the Providence Catholic Diocese. This won’t be a popular decision among many Catholics, but it is about time.

I’m amused by how many people present themselves as Catholics, then live their lives counter to the church’s teachings. You shouldn’t be able to pick and choose which aspects of a religion you like, and which aspects you don’t. If a particular religion doesn’t suit your particular view of the world, then find another one. For too many, their religion is nothing but a habit. If that’s the case, isn’t it better to just stop attending mass and stop living a lie?

I was raised Catholic, but I have serious disagreements with many of the church’s teachings. Unfortunately, you can often find parishioners who don’t make any attempt to be a good Catholic, they just go through the motions. Patrick Kennedy is a good example. Here’s an elected official who supports abortion rights and fights to make abortions more acessible. My problem isn’t with his views on abortion (I’m pro-choicee), it’s with people who strive to make those views consistent with their Catholic religion. Sorry, it can’t be done.

Ideally, we would see Bishop Tobin’s actions duplicated with other pblic officials. Too many politicians try to be everything to everyone. They present themselves as a religious individual, then support ideas that are in opposition to what they profess to believe. Hopefully, Bishop Tobin’s actions will be a first step in calling out the hypocrites and bringing some thought into the public sphere.