The Boston Globe predictably editorialized on Wednesday against Catholic Bishop Thomas Tobin for "targeting" Rep. Patrick Kennedy ("Rhode Island bishop errs in targeting Patrick Kennedy.") They predictably cavil that bishops don’t punish politicians who support the death penalty and wars.
What sets this leaden chunk of argument apart is its boast the bishop's attention is "ironic" since the Kennedy family have long been a flock of terrific, devout Catholics that drew others into the church. They have been virtual magnets of holiness. Yes, you may pick up your jaw now:
Among Catholic politicians, Patrick Kennedy is both an obvious target, because of his prominence, and a deeply ironic one, because of the decades of loyalty and support the Kennedy family has given to the Catholic Church. Though they may not always have lived strictly by church teachings, Patrick’s father, uncles, aunts, and grandmother were all devout Catholics whose intensive commitment to worship drew others into the church. The Kennedys accorded priests and bishops an honored position in their lives. Edward Kennedy’s dying appeal to the pope proves that the church was never far from the late senator’s mind.
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Like other liberal media outlets, including the snarling Chris Matthews lecture (don't call it an interview) with Bishop Tobin, the Globe makes no attempt to consider whether Patrick Kennedy's hot talk about how the Catholic church isn't pro-life if it protests ObamaCare and shouldn't be "fanning the flames of dissent" on a "red herring" like abortion. They seem to endorse implicitly Patrick's assertion that he can be relentlessly pro-abortion and still be a "good Catholic." The Globe thinks that even if one hasn't exactly "lived strictly by church teachings," you show you're a good Catholic by regular church attendance. Sitting in a pew cancels out anything else that you do?
There really is no other verdict for writing like this: as the Boston Brahmin character Charles Emerson Winchester once declared fondly of his butlers on television, they are "bathed in the glow of utter servility."
The Globe typically worried about uptight church officials and their "disproportionate influence" on politicians by telling them certain votes might count against them in the next life:
In 1960, Patrick Kennedy’s uncle fought bravely to convince voters that he could keep his personal beliefs apart from his public responsibilities. John F. Kennedy knew that he was elected president of all the people, not just Catholics, and could not give church authorities disproportionate influence while remaining true to his oath of office. And yet that’s exactly what Tobin is expecting from Patrick Kennedy now.
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
I'm reminded of Godfather
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 15:18 ET by Gat New YorkI'm reminded of Godfather III where Michael Corleone is honored by the church for his devotion to the church when in fact he violated nearly all of the ten commandments.
The Kennedy's committed nearly as many commandment violation as anyone in the mafia going back to Joe Kennedy when he was a bootlegger and in partnership with the mafia.
Finally someone with courage has stood up to that family.
If only they'd just take their bundles of money and go away
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 15:54 ET by Galvanic". . . Though they may not always have lived strictly by church teachings, Patrick’s father, uncles, aunts, and grandmother were all devout Catholics . . . "
Isn't that statement self-contradictory? I guess it is -- to use the Slick Willie methodology -- all dependent on what the meaning of devout is.
The Kennedys are America's persistant plague.
LOL devout? roflmao!!
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 17:35 ET by Patriot IIwhere is this idiot from? devout? like swimming up stream against the current while his girlfriend is clawing at the floorboards of the car he drove off the bridge? how about the girl that was clubbed to death with a golf club.....drunken orgies.....parties......hummmm maybe he is right....devout....but at what? aye, pass the ale me hearties!!!
Deviant . . . .Divorces . .
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 18:41 ET by Gat New YorkDeviant . . . .Divorces . . . Divas . . . Devious would apply
. . . . but not Devout
Family
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 15:19 ET by sevenThey may have sold a lot of booze to Catholics. Not exactly converts.
The Kennedys are Devout?
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 15:20 ET by ParagrouperWhen measured against their own low standards, perhaps.
"Beware the fury of the patient man." - John Dryden
Her Speakerness Pelosi also
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 16:16 ET by motherbeltHer Speakerness Pelosi also claims to be a "devout" Catholic.
. . . and she's buying a stairway to Heaven.
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 16:21 ET by GalvanicPelosi is a joke -- an unfortunate joke -- but a joke nonetheless.
yeah, a BAD joke on
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 18:17 ET by Rowaneyeah, a BAD joke on America.
"You know, when I was asked earlier about the issue of coal, uh, you
know — Under my plan of a cap and trade system, electricity rates would
necessarily skyrocket" - Barack Hussain Obama
this is nothing but
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 15:28 ET by larry on LIa PR event and douche bag patrict is getting a hat trick from the church.jmo.
Another Possible Scenario
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 15:39 ET by Dim BulbEdward Kennedy’s dying appeal to the pope proves that the church was never far from the late senator’s mind.
A more plausible scenario is that as the late Senator stood at the door of eternity he suddenly relaized he didn't have the courage of his lack of conviction and decided he had better do something about it.
kennedys
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 15:40 ET by east tennessee johnYeah, I knew we had it all wrong. Teddy was just doing an emersion baptisim on Mary Jo.
Dang maybe he was trying out
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 19:05 ET by Dan The Man 2Dang maybe he was trying out for Southern Baptist.
The only thing I can think
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 15:40 ET by BettendorThe only thing I can think of on this is that the media has mentioned the Kennedys' involvement with the Catholic Church (whenever it suited either of them) so much that it has maybe led some to take a look and hopefully find out what Christ and the Church is really about.
It reminds me of this passage from Philippians:
"It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing
that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." - Philippians 1:15-18 (NIV)
Whatever works, because God does work in mysterious ways.
"You just don't get it." - Pa Grape, "Veggietales"
Check out my blog.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA......haha
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 15:50 ET by motherbeltHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA......hahahahaha.......hahahahaha......cough, .........hahahaha.....cough, cough....hahahahahahaha....hic, snort.......hahahahahaha....hahahaha...hahahaha...cough, hic......hahahaha.....haha...haha...deep breath....phew!
OK, I'm better now.
I just can't TELL you how many people I've heard of in Massachusetts over the years (I grew up there and have always visited regularly), who said they became Catholic because of the Kennedys.....
<Chris Matthews imitation> HA!!
mb
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 15:51 ET by larry on LIit just proves that not all the crazies live in the berkshires.
"John F. Kennedy knew that
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 15:58 ET by Galvanic"John F. Kennedy knew that he was elected president of all the people, not just Catholics, and could not give church authorities disproportionate influence while remaining true to his oath of office. And yet that’s exactly what Tobin is expecting from Patrick Kennedy now."
No, the Globe has it wrong (No surprise there).
Bishop Tobin is only telling Kennedy that if as the latter publicly persists in demanding that the Church change to his liking, he is no longer permitted to take Communion in the Church. Kennedy is free to pursue whateve public policies he chooese; but he has been sanctioned by the Church.
Excellent point,
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 16:15 ET by motherbeltExcellent point, Gal....
Patrick Kennedy is free to live and vote however he wants. However, if he insists on supporting abortion, an act fundamentally against the teachings of the Church, he is not in full Communion with the Church, and should refrain from the Eucharist.This is what Bishop Tobin is saying. Are critics saying that a Bishop of the Church may not decide what behavior is in obedience to Church teaching and what is not? That they have no right to demand anything of the Church's members?
Kennedy supporters use JFK as an example of separation, but the fact is that push never came to shove, so they don't know. They only know what he said. He never had to make the serious choice between politics and his church.
Had Roe v Wade hit the Supreme Court during his presidency, and if he had had to take a stand on it, that's where the rubber would have met the road. He would have been told by his Bishop to make a choice, that as a Catholic he could not support that.
And if he had supported it, he would have been in the same boat Patrick is in now.
motherbelt...
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 21:05 ET by JerJust out of curiousity, what is the distinction between support of abortion rights and support of capital punishment as they relate to adherence to church teachings?
And, is the position of the Catholic church against abortions in all circumstances, including those where the life of the mother is at stake?
Thanks.
Jer
Jer, abortion has always
Thu, 11/26/2009 - 05:10 ET by Dan The Man 2Jer, abortion has always been against God teachings as the Bible teaches us to revere life. And the unborn are "innocent" as far as commiting attrocities against man, but are of course not "innocent" as far as sin. The Bible does take into account evil and relegates the taking of life if it is in societies best interest. God says be smart not stupid.
In cases where the mother will die then the sacrifice of the baby is allowable. That doesn't happen these days except in extreme cases.
I thought you was a Christian Jer, if so why do you ask these perfectly obvious questions?
Taking of life
Thu, 11/26/2009 - 07:41 ET by TomsPlaceDan and Jer,
The Catholic Church, as did most of Christianity for most of the centuries, has always taught that intentionally taking the life of the unborn is wroong, so far as calling it an intrinsic evil, which is why it is given such a priority among life issues. One can not, even if the mother's life is in jeopardy, intentionally take the life of one to save the other. However, and this is where the inetnt of will is so very important and often overlooked, if the life of one is lost as an unintended consequence, there is no sin. For example, if a mother has an ectopic pregnancy and the doctor operates on the fallopian tube with the sole intent of correcting that situation, even though the child's life is almost always forfeit, if his intent is not to kill the child but to try and save both however remotethat possibility may be, it is not sinful, it is not abortion. This may sound like "spiritual gymnastics" to the uncatechized, but it is an important distinction, as the Church always takes into account the intent of the will.
To briefly touch on the difference between abortion and such things as capital punishment and war, I encourage you to take a look at the Catechism. The language used in it really clarifies why, in certain instances, it may be permissible for such things and why they are not intrinsically evi. These are difficult separations for many to make, but honesty and prayer for understanding can make them clearer.
What I love among other things about the catholic Church, is that despite what the media says, they are neither Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal. All sides have a beef against some of their teachings which tells me they are defending the Truth.
Of course, in having full disclosure, yes, I am proudly Catholic and have been inlove with her after being away for a very long time. God has blessed me with a 13-year realtionship with Her that continues to grow.
God Bless
TomsPlace... Thankyou
Thu, 11/26/2009 - 17:16 ET by JerTomsPlace...
Thankyou very much for taking the time to provide a very thoughtful and informative response--and for avoiding the snideness that unfortunately characterizes virtually every reply Dan makes to a query of mine.
God bless you and your family. Hope you have a joyous Thanksgiving.
Jer
Edward Kennedy’s dying
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 16:00 ET by motherbeltEdward Kennedy’s dying appeal to the pope proves that the church was never far from the late senator’s mind.
Kennedy wasn't thinking about the Church, the letter was all about him. It was one of the weirdest things I have ever heard of. It was a list of all the things he wanted to be credited for in his life (I've always done this; tried to do that...) as if God didn't already know everything about him.
mb - as long as there was breath showing on the mirror, it
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 22:22 ET by Cape Conservativewas ALWAYS ABOUT HIM!
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm reminds me of someone else in the political world now.
This comment comes from a proud Tea Party attendee, otherwise designated by Homeland Security as a Domestic Right Wing Terrorist! And now by our president as a 'swiftboater' - both titles I'll wear proudly!
It is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue ~ Sam Adams
202.224.3121 LET CONGRESS HEAR THE ROAR OF THE SILENT MAJORITY!
202.456.1111 WHITE HOUSE COMMENT LINE
I got the impression he was
Thu, 11/26/2009 - 10:16 ET by BDI got the impression he was bargaining with the lord rather than the pope. Sort of the Divine Intercessions appeal to the final court from someone who knows they are inherently evil.
The problem with the Catholic Church
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 16:39 ET by YahooWatcherwhen it comes to dealings such as this with Patrick Kennedy is money, plain and simple. Families like the Kennedy's buy their forgiveness from the church and the church needs to money. It's a sliding scale depending on how much you can afford. My family is Catholic and what did it take for my sister to get her marriage annulled? Money. I know another person who got his marriage annulled. His cost? New stained glass windows at the church.
Regardless, kudos to Bishop Tobin for standing up to the Kennedys. Now if he would only pick up the phone and call the bishop in San Francisco and convince hime to kick Nancy pelosi to the curb...
Don't Tax Me, Bro.
→ YW
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 16:42 ET by Cool ArrowGood thing neither of those couples had children. An annullment carries with it certain implications concerning children.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
Catholic children
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 19:26 ET by katiejanewhose parents annul their marriage are NOT considered illegitimate by the Church.
→ They're not?
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 20:51 ET by Cool ArrowSo you're saying a marriage really happened, but it really didn't.
Precisely the sort of logic that proved to me I was in the wrong church.
Strange things happen when a church decides to relax its standards when the underlying dogma is chiseled in stone.
Could've kept a whole country (England) in the flock if they'd changed the standard back in 1533. But no, it was years before they finally got some kind of new revelation on the subject.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
Concerning Illegitimacy
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 21:50 ET by Dim BulbLet me say two words about the term "illegitimacy": It stinks. Babies
are not illegitimate, no matter how illegitimate might have been the
acts by which they were conceived. Babies are conceived in the image
and likeness of God, who loves them all.
Canon 1137 states that children born or conceived of a valid or
putative marriage are considered legitimate. Canon 1061 § 3 calls
"putative" those marriages that, though invalid, were nevertheless
celebrated in good faith by at least one of the parties, until that
time, if any, when both parties become certain of its nullity. The
great majority of the formal nullity cases coming before diocesan
tribunals involve at least one, usually two, persons entering marriage
in good faith, hence entering at least a putative marriage, resulting
in the legitimacy of the children.
Moreover, if a child is born to parents not married or only civilly
married, but the parents later validly or even putatively marry, such
marriage automatically renders the child or children canonically
legitimate (canon 1139). Even here, the later annulment of the marriage
would not render these children canonically illegitimate.
In brief, the granting of an annulment petition does nothing to affect the legitimacy of children.
Annulment Tribunals Should Work For Free?
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 20:48 ET by Dim BulbMost commonly, there are the basic petition fees payable to the
tribunal. This is what most people refer to when they talk about the
cost of an annulment. In the U.S., most tribunals charge anywhere from
$200 to $1,000 for adjudicating a standard nullity case. A few charge
somewhat over $1,000, and several charge nothing at all. The fee for
"documentary cases"-that is, cases eligible for the expedited process
under canon 1686 (where, for example, a Catholic party violated
canonical form when attempting to marry)-is usually much less, around
$25.
Although there is, strictly speaking, authority on the part of the
tribunal to assess fees on both parties in a marriage case (canon
1649), this is not usually done. Rather, petitioners almost always pay
all fees associated with a case.
There are obviously extensive costs involved in
maintaining an agency for annulment procedures. (Such cost) covers items like rental space,
salaries, office equipment and supplies. Income from annulment fees
covers most but not all of these expenses.
There
is a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to annulment fees. Some
people say that you can buy an annulment in the Church. If that were
true, which it is not, why do we have such an elaborate scheme to
thwart any form of corruption? You would have to bribe six different
judges in two different dioceses and any one of them could throw the
case out in a second. Daring to tamper with the justice system is a
crime in the Church as well as the state.
The
American tribunal system ended up $14,000,000 in the red last year. It
is not now and never was a money-making proposition, but many times I
have heard people spreading the rumor that they did not get their
annulment because they were not willing to pay the huge fees involved.
More likely than not, their case was rejected because they did not have
any credible evidence to support it. Tribunal fees are minimal compared
to civil divorce fees.
Hey, I thought the MSM
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 16:44 ET by celatorHey, I thought the MSM National Catholic Bashing month was in April. They must have changed it. Next to come it will be National Evangelical Bashing Month, then Orthodox Jew National Bashing month, the the Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists, Methodists, etc.
This is sad and stupid at the same time, not to mention not so hidden bigotry against all believers.
No citizen's right to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, or property is safe as long as Obama is President of the United States.
Kennedys drove people away
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 17:26 ET by iveseenitallIn my opinion, the lives of the Kennedys, from old Joe on down, did much to drive people away from the Catholic church. That family is hypocrisy personified. The hypocrisy of the Catholic church is one of the reasons Protestantism flourished throughout Europe. How about that bargain on indugences!
Patrick Kennedy is just the latest in a long line of phony Catholics. He's a CINO (Catholic In Name Only). Dante put the hypocrites way down in Hell. He was right to do it.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
I haven't laughed as hard
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 17:25 ET by rbosqueI haven't laughed as hard all week!
Seriously.
CINO!!
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 17:33 ET by Dr. RonYou cannot pick and chose which Catholic doctrines, beliefs and laws you abide by. The inane phrase "have not lived strictly by church teachings" shows the secular MSM at its best...or worst. Either you are a Catholic and live as one, your life an examplar of Church teachings, or you are a CINO...Pat Kennedy, Mario Cuomo, John Kerry...to name but a few, are CINO's...and, it is about time that all Catholic bishops and Cardinals called them and their ilk on their abominating their "faith."
Ronald John Lofaro, PhD
I am not Catholic but for
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 17:55 ET by ricklailI am not Catholic but for many years I have been asking why they haven't excommunicated them because of their stance on abortion and homosexuals.
Semper suprene nitens
There is no point dwelling on all the foolish mistakes we have made in our lives. For one thing, it can be very time-consuming. Dr. Thomas Sowell
Evidently adhering to the
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 20:29 ET by needleEvidently adhering to the Catholic Church’s line is challenging not only for lay people (let’s include “ardent” Catholic Nancy Pelosi while we are at it) but also for a good many of its ordained leaders.
- Relying upon the State Run Media for your information is like relying upon an embezzler for your portfolio management.
- I didn't leave the Republican Party; the Republican Party left me.
I question this also.
Thu, 11/26/2009 - 05:20 ET by Dan The Man 2I question this also. Membership in our church, the congregation not the institution, is by vote of members and so is the discipline. We have thrown people out of our congregation, they can attend but no membership, for Biblical offenses.
Like leaving and divorcing ones wife for no reason and flaunting it by having adulterous affairs. We don't prevent them from the Lords Supper but we do counsel them and tell them scripture and the consequences if their hearts aint right.
We do not let openly homosexuals into membership but we do encourage them to attend and learn. In fact there are people in our congreagtion who relish in the discussions and such.
Already are excommunicated
Thu, 11/26/2009 - 07:48 ET by TomsPlaceRick,
Great question. The fact is that these individuals, by their obstinance in their sin, especially by willingly participating in an intrinsic evil such as abortion have already excommunicated themselves. Canon law and the Church are very clear that one excommunicates himself by such actions and that it is not an action of the Church. The Church merely recognizes what that person has already done to themself. Of course, since most media, and many Catholics don't understand this, there is a misconception that these folks are not excommunicated and are in good standing--they are not and by receiving Communion in such a state they compound their offenses. That is tough for many to hear, but true.
Excommunication, contrary to popular opinion, is not apunishment, but rather an admonition that one needs to get their spiritual life in order. If nothing else it serves as a measure to call the sinner into repentance, chhange his heart and to follow the teachings of the Church.
Hope this helps... God Bless
What was Ted Kennedy's last
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 18:19 ET by Radical1979What was Ted Kennedy's last appeal to the Pope? If it was forgiveness, well, most of us on our deathbeds will be asking for that. In the interest of journalism I wonder if the Globe can provide any numbers and specific numbers of people drawn into the church?
Didn't think so!
Maybe the Kennedy's will set the example for their fellow...
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 19:20 ET by R D Helm...unborn child murdering supporters and abort any future Kennedy's.
That would be one sure way to rid us all of this hideous, hypocritical family of snotty elitists and their insane, nanny-state supporting and poverty-perpetuating politics.
I cannot recall any other family in American history that has done more to put as many people into poverty and keep them there than has this clan of communist goobers.
-Dave
Our elected representatives have failed us.
The Pillar
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 19:30 ET by evilcontractorAh...the Boston Globe, that gaint pillar of journalist professionalism. It should be (and usually is) the model, along with the New York Times, Washington Past (oops, 'Post'), and the LA Times for all other liberal advocate publications to follow. After all, their current motto is "We won't go bankrupt first!"
www.coastaldecorations.com
Don’t bet on it…
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 20:14 ET by needleI heard from someone – can’t mention names – very well connected with the media in the Boston area that the betting among his associates is that the Boston Herald will easily outlast the Boston Globe.
I am very much inclined to believe him.
PS: In Boston that would be "Pillah"
- Relying upon the State Run Media for your information is like relying upon an embezzler for your portfolio management.
- I didn't leave the Republican Party; the Republican Party left me.
Thank for the info
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 21:53 ET by evilcontractorThanks for the help with "pillah". I've only spent one summer up in that area over 20 years ago, so I don't know all the local customs....I must say I'm shocked that the Boston Globe would not considered by all Bostontians, nay all New Englanders, as the "offical news and information source". Surely you jest that some tabloid such as the "Herald" might actually out last the Globe. How would liberals know what is happening in their fantasy world?
www.coastaldecorations.com
Well, it is just a prediction.
Fri, 11/27/2009 - 09:07 ET by needleSo we will have to wait and see.
Here is hoping we will not have to wait to long. Maybe this emerging Climate Change scandal will move things along.
- Relying upon the Boston Globe for your information is like relying upon an embezzler for your portfolio management.
- I didn't leave the Republican Party; the Republican Party left me.
Symantics
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 20:12 ET by leeanthonyvaThe term "catholic church" must be a euphemism for "bar and/or strip club" in boston.
Don't forget Funerals
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 22:45 ET by evilcontractorThe kennedys do seem to draw a crowd at a funeral.
www.coastaldecorations.com
The crowd is all of them and
Thu, 11/26/2009 - 14:53 ET by tiredgal2The crowd is all of them and their hangerons. When they read that letter from Teddy to the Pope I thought I would vomit. What a bunch of me, me, me stuff. The funeral was full of comments regarding the healthcare. Do it for Teddy, blah, blah, blah. I was happy that the Pope did not reply to the me, me, stuff. I know religion is a private thing, why do these folks have to go around saying they are Catholic, or the media saying they are devout Catholics. No one really knows another person, and I am personally tired of hearing about them. Hurray for Bishop Tobin. He only did what should have been done to all of them, Pelosi, Biden and the rest years ago. Be not afraid.
. . . drew others into the church
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 21:09 ET by GalvanicIf a Kennedy boy "drew others into the church," it was luring an intoxicated date into a booth to play "Sister, Will You Hear My Confession".
I didn't make it...
Thu, 11/26/2009 - 11:27 ET by LoosMooseI didn't make it... I read the title and busted out laughing.