Bishop Thomas Tobin has defended a tweet calling on Catholics not to support “Pride Month” events, saying they promote a culture that is contrary to Catholic faith and morals.
The Bishop of Providence, Rhode Island, said it was his “obligation before God” to teach the faith clearly on such issues, and that he will continue doing so.
He wrote on Twitter on Saturday that Catholics “should not support or attend LGBTQ ‘Pride Month’ events held in June.”
“They promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Catholic faith and morals,” he added. “They are especially harmful for children.”
The tweet received widespread media coverage, prompting criticism from celebrities such as Mia Farrow and Patricia Arquette.
On Sunday, the bishop released a follow-up statement saying he regretted that his comments have “turned out to be so controversial in our community, and offensive to some, especially the gay community.”
“I also acknowledge and appreciate the widespread support I have received on this matter,” he added.
Bishop Tobin added that he and the Church have “respect and love for members of the gay community”.
“As a Catholic Bishop, however, my obligation before God is to lead the faithful entrusted to my care and to teach the faith, clearly and compassionately, even on very difficult and sensitive issues. That is what I have always tried to do – on a variety of issues – and I will continue doing so as contemporary issues arise.”
From Catholic Herald.
Bishop Tobin is absolutely, 100% right and he was crucified by the rainbow crowd for saying it. May God bless him and strengthen him in his witness to the truth of nature and the truth of the Gospel.
It would be cruel to tell homosexuals their lifestyle is acceptable to God. They and the rest of us are called to Christian perfection and holiness. We must zealously guard our souls and be prepared for the hour of our Judgement. The Hollywood set cares not a whit about anyone’s eternal salvation.
I agree with Bishop Tobin! However, the Catholic Church must teach to all, our holy Faith and Morals– with lots of love and support! Invite gays to join “Courage” groups, and help them lead chaste lives successfully!
The USCCB’s should be making the same statement.
Hats off to this Bishop !! The LGBTQ cadre wanted ‘tolerance’….and they were given that. Now they want ‘dominance’ and they are not entitled to that. The Democrats in the House recently voted to given them that via HR 5 but at the expense of the rights of our women who now must compete against transgendered men in all sports and in their bathrooms and locker rooms and in sacrificing freedom of religion for all for that legislation also makes religious beliefs subservient to the life code that cadre wants all of society to bow down to in our daily lives. It is bad legislation and its constitutionality should be challenged right up to the Supreme Court.
” The LGBTQ cadre wanted ‘tolerance’….and they were given that. Now they want ‘dominance’ and they are not entitled to that.” Truer words were never spoken… Well done
Lou,
I’m not familiar with HR 5, but I doubt that it will make it out of the Senate.
Just because someone takes offense does not mean the comment is offensive. The bishop shows his and Jesus’ love for all by teaching the truth of sexuality, its perversions in our time, and calls us to chastity as a remedy. Of course he will be vilified by those who are overcome by iniquity and sin, by those who have listened to other voices not from God, even some voices who are leaders in the church and are spreading confusion and falsehood. Bless you, Bishop, for your guidance in truth to unite all of us to Jesus, to call us out of darkness into the light of Christ.
A real Catholic bishop acting as a moral shepherd—almost unheard of!!!!
Please, Bishop Tobin, come to California. We desperately need moral leadership.
Kudos to Bishop Tobin. At the same time, that Catholics would need to be told not to support these sinful activities, sadly speaks to the great ignorance of the Faith among those who call themselves Catholics in our society today. Pride is one of seven deadly sins, and homosexuality is intrinsically evil. Catholics can not under any circumstances support this.
Pride goeth before destruction. Proverbs 16:18
This is difficult. A priest at my parish was involved in the sex abuse scandal. He molested children in the church right after celebrating the Sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Mass. Of course he is now residing in a facility for retired priests. The bishop has counseled forgiveness and advised that we move forward in rebuilding the parish. I think some of the Bishops are promoting different standards for priests and gay people…and that it is unjust!
the eternal truths of God are not subject to the whims of man . All catholic clergy must be bound to their sacred duty leading souls to salvation God bless you bishop Tobin