Here’s an AP write-up, from 1994:
Thirty-four years ago, presidential candidate John F. Kennedy had to assure U.S. voters that as a Roman Catholic, he would not be beholden to the Vatican. Now, Massachusetts Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, facing the first serious challenge of his 32 years in office, is also embroiled in controversy over religion.
His opponent’s.
Kennedy’s questioning of Republican Mitt Romney’s leadership in the Mormon Church has brought the issue of the Kennedys and religion full circle.
”I’m sad to see that Ted Kennedy is trying to take away his brother’s victory,” a bristling Romney said this week.
The Kennedys, who now are trying to distance themselves from the subject, came out snarling shortly before the Sept. 20 primary.
Rep. Joseph Kennedy the self-described ”pit bull” of his uncle’s campaign made the initial attack, saying Romney should answer for the church’s policies toward women and minorities. He later apologized to Romney, saying he did not know the Mormon Church lifted its ban on black priests in 1978.
The issue resurfaced Monday. Responding to a reporter’s question, Sen. Kennedy said the 47-year-old venture capitalist should explain his feelings about the church’s former ban on black priests and its current ban on women priests.