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.

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