TRENTON – Senate Majority Leader Bernard F. Kenny, Jr., D-Hudson, spoke today with Dick Gordon, host of the National Public Radio (NPR) program, The Connection, on his decision to leave the Catholic Church, and on the national situation facing pro-choice Catholic politicians, following pressure from many Catholic officials for pro-choice politicians not to accept Communion.
Senator Kenny on the request from Newark Archbishop John Myers of Catholic politicians not to take Communion, and his personal reaction. OC – “…to leave the church for now.” Senator Kenny on the request from Newark Archbishop John Myers of Catholic politicians not to take Communion, and his personal reaction. OC – “…to leave the church for now.” (0:57)
Senator Kenny on looking forward to Cardinal Theodore McCarrick’s recommendations on the Church’s position to pro-choice Catholic politicians. OC – “… their recommendations are.” Senator Kenny on looking forward to Cardinal Theodore McCarrick’s recommendations on the Church’s position to pro-choice Catholic politicians. OC – “… their recommendations are.” (0:18)
Senator Kenny on his belief that the decision to take Communion should not be based on politics. OC – “…based on political litmus tests.” Senator Kenny on his belief that the decision to take Communion should not be based on politics. OC – “…based on political litmus tests.” (0:16)
Senator Kenny on the separation between Church and State, and how it is being threatened in this Church decision. OC – “…a founding principle.” Senator Kenny on the separation between Church and State, and how it is being threatened in this Church decision. OC – “…a founding principle.” (0:43)
Senator Kenny on the political fall-out of the Church’s action, and the role of the Church in a constitutional democracy. OC – “…practiced his religion for 57 years.” Senator Kenny on the political fall-out of the Church’s action, and the role of the Church in a constitutional democracy. OC – “…practiced his religion for 57 years.” (0:46)
Senator Kenny on the personal consequences of his decision to leave the Church, and why he decided to do it. OC – “…take Communion because of that.” Senator Kenny on the personal consequences of his decision to leave the Church, and why he decided to do it. OC – “…take Communion because of that.” (1:20)