By Ray Hershel

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) -- A  dispute over abortion has heated up a  controversy between Rhode Island Bishop Thomas Tobin and Congressman Patrick Kennedy.

Kennedy is Pro-Choice and his position on abortion puts him at odds with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Bishop Tobin has asked Kennedy not to receive Holy Communion.

Kennedy says his disagreement with the bishop does not make him any less of a Catholic.

Even though the controversy flared up in Rhode Island, high profile political leaders like Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley who is running for Ted Kennedy's senate seat weighed in on the controversy, "I am Catholic, I am Pro-Choice, I'm a little surprised by this, it seems to be localized in Rhode Island with this particular bishop. It has not been a problem in Massachusetts, I don't anticipate that to be," says Coakley.

Springfield City Councilor Kateri Walsh who is Pro-Life had this reaction, "I've always been Pro-Life but I respect other people's decisions and I think something like this is a matter of your own personal conscience," says Walsh.

Meanwhile Pro-Choice city councilor Jose Tosado also weighed in, "As long as you believe in your faith, it's something that you  should be able to do," says Tosado.

The dispute between Patrick Kennedy and the Bishop of Rhode Island flared up recently when Congressman Kennedy criticized Catholic bishops for opposing health care reform unless tighter restrictions were placed on funding for abortions.