►
ALL: Rhode Island Bishop Rightly Calls Kennedy Attack on Church 'Ignorant'
by Katie Waker
Released October 26, 2009
Washington, D.C. (26 October 2009) – American Life League president Judie Brown sent the following letter today to Bishop Thomas J. Tobin after his public censure of U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island.
Rep. Kennedy attacked Church teaching on abortion in health care reform as fanning “the flames of dissent and discord.” Bishop Tobin responded, saying, “Congressman Patrick Kennedy’s statement about the Catholic Church’s position on health care reform is irresponsible and ignorant of the facts … I believe the Congressman owes us an apology for his irresponsible comments. It is my fervent hope and prayer that he will find a way to provide more effective and morally responsible leadership for our state.”
"Your Excellency,
We just read about your strong corrective words in response to Congressman Patrick Kennedy's arrogant dismissal of the Catholic Church's principled position on abortion and health care reform. Clearly, the congressman does not understand his faith, nor does he accept the fact that truth does not change. Hopefully, your words will ring in his ears and his heart.
We agree with you, of course, that the congressman owes you an apology, but at a more fundamental level, he owes Christ his allegiance to truth. Otherwise, he must admit that, in fact, he is not a Catholic. The Church has suffered greatly because of so-called Catholics who think they can mold the Church in their own image. It is high time that bishops pointed this out as forcefully as you have in this particular case.
Thank you for standing up to Congressman Kennedy's balderdash!
We remember you in our daily prayers and give praise to God for your courageous, holy leadership. The Catholic people of Rhode Island are blessed to have you as their shepherd.
Sincerely yours in the Lord Who IS Life,
Judie Brown, President
American Life League, Inc."
American Life League was cofounded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro-life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to natural death. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Katie Walker at 540.659.4942.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
# # #
|
