PAXTON, Mass., March 31 (UPI) -- A small Catholic college in Massachusetts says it yanked a speaking invitation to the wife of the late U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy at a bishop's behest.
Anna Maria College in Paxton issued a statement Friday, saying Victoria Reggie Kennedy's perceived political views are at odds with the teachings of the Catholic Church, rendering her unfit to speak at the small private school's spring commencement. The final judgment was said to rest with Worcester Bishop Robert J. McManus.
"After hours of discerning and struggling with elements of all sides of the issue, the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees decided with deep regret to withdraw its invitation," the statement read.
Ray Deslisle, a spokesman for McManus, told Boston's newspapers Kennedy "has contrary beliefs to the church in the key areas of pro-choice versus the sanctity of life," as well as "the sanctity of marriage."
Patrick Whelan, president of the national Catholic Democrats, told The Boston Globe McManus also expressed concerns about what he believed are Kennedy's positions on gay rights and health coverage for contraception.
The Boston Herald said Kennedy released her own statement in response, expressing disappointment with the college's decision:
"I hold no public office nor am I a candidate for public office. I have not met Bishop McManus nor has he been willing to meet with me to discuss his objections. He has not consulted my pastor to learn more about me or my faith. Yet by objecting to my appearance at Anna Maria College he has made a judgment about my worthiness as a Catholic. This is a sad day for me and an even sadder one for the church I love."
The Globe reported Catholic colleges across the nation have faced similar dilemmas, coming under pressure from diocesan leaders to close their doors to political liberals. In 2009, almost a quarter of the nation's bishops were up in arms when the University at Notre Dame invited President Obama to speak.
