The New York Times, November 24, 2009
Letters to the Editor
Re: Representative Kennedy Not Welcome to Receive Communion
To the Editor:
Regarding “Patrick Kennedy Says His Politics Led to Communion Ban,” I feel compelled to ask: Where I can find all the notices that the Catholic Church has barred prominent conservative legislators from receiving communion because of their support for capital punishment? For causing the deaths of soldiers and civilians in unnecessary wars? For failing to meaningfully address poverty?
If the church were consistent in punishing Catholics who publicly oppose church priorities, few Catholic legislators and Supreme Court justices indeed would be welcome at the communion rail.
Marissa Hendrickson
Minneapolis, Nov. 23, 2009