Our post “Catholic comments on Ted Kennedy, pro and con” showed readers were deeply split on whether the late senator should have a Roman Catholic funeral. The naysayers argued that his support for choice on abortion and other disagreements with Church doctrine disqualify him from a religious ceremony. Those for a church funeral argued that he helped advance many causes championed by Catholic social teaching.
Those opposing a Mass of Christian Burial for Kennedy predominated, but not all readers take the time to write a comment. One-click poll questions sometimes give a different picture from comment pages. So here’s a simple question:
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Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not and you shall not be judged. Condemn not and you shall not be condemned. Forgive and you shall be forgiven….And why seest thou the mote in your brother’s eye: but the beam that is in thy own eye thou considerest not? Luke 6:36-37, 41 (Douay-Rheims Bible)
- Posted by Michael B.Wow - after reading all these comments by (I assume) pious Catholics, I’m sure glad that I’m not one. Don’t think that I’ve read so much hatefulness and intolerance since. . . well, I can’t think of when I’ve read so much of it. Bless you, but keep your religion to yourself.
- Posted by outsiderDid anyone ever wonder why 16 U.S. Senators,45 Congressmen ,50% of all bishops,and priests, and 55% of all CATHOLICS ARE pro-abortion,and pro-homosxuality. its because the Pope is weak and lily-livered when enforcing CHURCH LAW ?
- Posted by Jack Angelo TerritoWhere is the “none of my business” option for the poll question? If he wanted a catholic funeral that’s fine with me. Seems Catholicism might be a good fit for such a politician.
- Posted by jasonI fault the “Catholic Church” for not denouncing this man’s actions way early in his career. His pronounced “good deeds” do not outweigh the “he was not a perfect man” accomplishments. The letter he wrote and his arranged prayers offered by his “grandchildren” should have included repentance and confession of some pretty “grave” actions that according to the bible…God condemns.
- Posted by RyanWhile it is certainly a Catholic doctrine that a repentant sinner can be forgiven, at the same time, to avoid public scandal, a PUBLIC, NOTORIOUS sinner, who dies apparently without any repentance, should be denied a Catholic requiem mass and burial, because the way he lived his life and died is not an example for Catholics to follow.
Ted Kennedy was not only a public, notorious sinner, he flaunted it with ostentatious pride. If there ever was one to whom the rule applies, it is him. He not only supported abortion, he PROMOTED IT. He not only supported the sin of Sodom, he PROMOTED IT. He not only lied in public, he did all he could to advance the telling of lies by anyone. He not only escaped justice for his manslaughter of Mary Jo, he spent the rest of his life LAUGHING IN PUBLIC for Chappaquiddick jokes.
He made a mockery of our entire country and of the Church, and did so with open rebellion. The only way it seems he could have gotten away with this is to have had on his side some very dark powers, indeed. No, he would be much more appropriately buried with the rites of quite a different religion, perhaps Voodoo, or Animist.
- Posted by btpcmI think this is an example of why Catholic people think they can do what they want and not what God wants. The Pope should have gave instructions that Ted are any of the so called Catholic public figures that openly disagree with the Churches teaching and laws should not have been able to receive communion based on the records. IS it a Law are is it a suggestion? Is it the 10 Commandments are the 10 suggestions? There is a Catholic Voters Guide. These type people could not win election if it was not for the so called Catholic voter.
- Posted by DavidTed Kennedy is someone who worked hard as a politician, but also as many politicians he is not an honorable man. Not a man to be honored or admired.
I don’t believe the majority of Americans were too deeply affected by his demise.
- Posted by george papasWhat if to the dismay of many…Ted Kennedy is not in a better place? Heaven is reserved for those “who care for the least of these”…children. Obviously the unborn children were not protected and cared for by this man and his policies. Not a great legacy in my mind!!! I fear for the judgment of his deeds…and so should his family who gave him so much praise…even through prayers!!!!
- Posted by Ryan