Kennedy troubled by bishop's comments

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rep. Patrick Kennedy says he finds comments by Rhode Island's Roman Catholic bishop questioning his faith "very disconcerting."

Kennedy, a Catholic, had planned to meet Thursday with Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin to discuss abortion and the health care debate. The bishop's office announced Monday that the meeting was postponed indefinitely by mutual agreement.

Kennedy said Tuesday that he initially agreed to the meeting on the terms that Tobin not debate his faith in public. He said the bishop did not follow that agreement.

The two men have clashed since Kennedy criticized church leaders last month for threatening to oppose a massive health care overhaul unless it included tighter restrictions on abortion.

Last week Kennedy voted against an amendment restricting abortion coverage, but supported the compromise House health care bill that included it.