Bishop wants sit down with Rep. Kennedy

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The Roman Catholic Bishop of Providence wants to discuss national health care overhaul with Rhode Island U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy.

Days after the two had a public spat over the issue, Bishop Thomas Tobin has sent a letter to Kennedy asking for a meeting so he can explain the church's "clear and consistent" support for health care reform. The letter was sent Tuesday and made public Wednesday.

The Democratic lawmaker last week criticized Catholic leaders who oppose universal health care plans unless there are tighter abortion restrictions.

Tobin responded by saying Kennedy's comments were "irresponsible" and demanded an apology.

A Kennedy spokeswoman tells The Providence Journal that the congressman has received the bishop's letter and is preparing a response.