On 1st June 2019, Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence, Rhode Island made a controversial tweet that sparked wildfire on twitter with netizens criticizing him and calling him Homophobic. The tweet read, “A reminder 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. They are especially harmful for children”. The tweet received over 28,000 likes and 7,200 retweets and 94,000 comments that were negative and directed towards criticizing the Bishop.
Many comments pointed towards the sexual abuse cases of the Clergy and also questioned if God doesn’t love all. However, Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas took onto twitter to back Bishop Tobin. He thanked him for speaking up and then in another tweet said, “Bishop Tobin is simply speaking for one truth of the deposit of faith. God made humans male & female. Certainly those who are confused about their identity need Christ’s love & compassion, let’s remember Christ’s love is expressed when dies on the cross for the truth”. Bishop Strickland also asked everyone to stop labeling bishops who speak the truth of the Gospel as Homophobic.
After this tweet, both the Bishops faced severe backlash from netizens. People belonging to the LGBTQ+ community planned a rally outside of the diocese’s headquarters.
Later during the day, The Diocese of Providence issued a statement of Bishop Tobin on their website that read, “I regret that my comments yesterday about Pride Month have turned out to be so controversial in our community, and offensive to some, especially the gay community. That certainly was not my intention, but I understand why a good number of individuals have taken offense. I also acknowledge and appreciate the widespread support I have received on this matter.
The Catholic Church has respect and love for members of the gay community, as do I. Individuals with same-sex attraction are beloved children of God and our brothers and sisters.
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.
As the gay community gathers for a rally this evening, I hope that the event will be a safe, positive and productive experience for all. As they gather I will be praying for a rebirth of mutual understanding and respect in our very diverse community”. The Catholic League even issued a statement after 3 days that backed Bishop Tobin.
While all of this was going on, Rev. Edward L. Pieroni, the priest of St. Raymond’s Roman Catholic Church pleaded people from the LGBTQ+ community to not leave the church as he was worried that the tweet by Bishop Tobin would push the gays and lesbians farther away from the church than they already are; as he said he would get on his hands and knees and beg them not to leave, The Boston Globe reported.
Pride parades are a celebration of individuality by the LGBTQ+ community for social and self-acceptance. It also is a demonstration of the legal rights of the community. The Pride march in Rhode Island will take place on 15th of June 2019.
Written by Ms. Monica Jose
