PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — There has been no comment from Rep. Patrick Kennedy since news broke over the weekend that former Youngstown bishop and current Diocese of Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin had asked the Democratic lawmaker not to take Holy Communion because of his stance on abortion rights.
Kennedy told The Providence Journal that Tobin instructed him not to take Communion. Tobin tells The Associated Press that it wasn't an order, but he did make that request in a letter to Kennedy in 2007.
On Monday, Kennedy's office did not return requests for comment.
Tobin has been public in criticism of Kennedy, and continued to make the rounds of radio and TV stations on Monday.
Sen. Jack Reed, a pro-choice Catholic, won't say whether Tobin sent him a similar letter. He says the issue is between Kennedy and the bishop.
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