Nov 23, 2009 / 16:05 pm
EWTN host Fr. Mitch Pacwa is scheduled to appear on CNN's “No Bias, No Bull” tonight at 8:30 p.m. EST to discuss the controversy surrounding Rhode Island Bishop Thomas Tobin and Rep. Patrick Kennedy.
In an interview published on Sunday by the Providence Journal, Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-Rhode Island), son of the late Edward Kennedy, said that “the bishop instructed me not to take Communion and said that he has instructed the diocesan priests not to give me Communion.”
Kennedy also said that Bishop Tobin allegedly explained the penalty by telling him “that I am not a good practicing Catholic because of the positions that I’ve taken as a public official.”
Later in the day, Bishop Tobin issued a statement clarifying the terms of his decision.
“I am disappointed and really surprised that Congressman Patrick Kennedy has chosen to reopen the public discussion about his practice of the faith and his reception of Holy Communion. This comes almost two weeks after the Congressman indicated to local media that he would no longer comment publicly on his faith or his relationship with the Catholic Church,” Bishop Tobin wrote.
Regarding tonight's show, EWTN Executive Vice President Doug Keck remarked, “We feel good about the fact that Father Mitch Pacwa of EWTN was seen as someone who could bring a solid Catholic perspective to this issue.”