Something, something, darkside...Bishop Thomas Tobin publicly condemned Rep. Patrick Kennedy's (D-R.I.) for voting against the pro-life amendment to the recently passed healthcare bill. Kennedy, along with 50 other Catholic congressmen and women, voted against the amendment that eventually passed in a 240-194 vote. The amendment prohibits federal funds from being used to pay for health insurance that covers abortions.

Bishop Tobin said the following regarding Kennedy's vote in an interview Tuesday:

“Obviously we’re very disappointed that Congressman Kennedy did not support the pro-life amendment, especially when a majority of his colleagues did. We were hoping that [Kennedy] would support the pro-life emphasis on health care, but he chose not to. So, as I’ve expressed rather clearly, I’m disappointed in Congressman Kennedy’s rather clear and consistent support of abortion throughout his career.”

Kennedy replied with a letter to Tobin. "While I greatly respect the Catholic Church and its leaders, like many Rhode Islanders, the fact that I disagree with the hierarchy of the church on some issues does not make me any less of a Catholic," Kennedy wrote. "I embrace my faith which acknowledges the existence of an imperfect humanity."

Tobin not only refuted Kennedy's statement, but took the conflict a step farther by questioning Kennedy's faith.

"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 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?”

I'm not Catholic, nor am I well versed on the tenets of catholicism, but affirmative answers to the questions Tobin listed seem to be requisites for being a "good" Catholic instead of bare requirements for simply being Catholic. Whatever. I don't really care. However, when I see a clergyman publicly harassing a U.S. Congressman because of his stance on public policy, I have a problem. If Catholic leaders want to influence politics then the church needs to forego it's tax-exempt status and become a political action committee.

This is ridiculous. Patrick Kennedy doesn't just represent Catholics. He can't under the tenets of his job and the tenets of the Constitution. So for this bishop to write these open leaders to a U.S. Rep, trying to chastise him for his vote, he's grossly overestimating his influence and the boundaries of his jurisdiction as a religious leader.

First off, you are not Patrick Kennedy's priest, and if you were, you'd have the decency to discuss these matters with him in private. Second, you're lucky he considers his faith at all when he votes because, technically, he shouldn't. Finally, with all of the controversy emanating from the catholic church these days -- ethics violations, altarboy scandals, impiously conceived children -- you're focusing on the voting habits of a congressman who shouldn't be voting with your interests in mind in the first place. Bishop Tobin, you have bigger problems. Much bigger. So, how about you let Patrick Kennedy do his job and you focus on keeping the Catholic church from being the butt of every pedophile joke.