Bishop Thomas J.
Tobin sparked outrage online after instructing Catholics not to celebrate LGBT Pride Month.
He explained his stance regarding LGBT children of God but mentioned that he won’t shy away from leading the faithful.
The Catholic leader wrote on Twitter: “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 internet exploded over Tobin’s statements. Rep. Ted Lieu responded: “Hey [Thomas Tobin] of the Catholic Church: I’m Catholic & I don’t remember Jesus saying anything about LGBTQ. But I do remember Christ teaching about love.”
He added: “And your asinine remark about children is exactly the type of bigoted belief that leads to the evil of conversion therapy.”
Actress Mia Farrow also replied: “This is pure ignorance & bigotry. Ignore this hate-filled hypocrite. His mind set leads only to suffering. He brings to mind those priests who molested my brothers. Of COURSE we should embrace our LGBTQ brothers and sisters and children. Jesus spoke of love.
“Kids are in far more danger at a catholic church than at a gay pride gathering.”
Actress Patricia Arquette said: “Shame on you. LGBT kids are thrown out on the streets and abandoned because of poisonous thinking like yours.”
Gay activist and former tennis star Martina Navratilova tweeted: “A reminder that Catholic clergy has been a lot more dangerous to kids than LGBT. Just so you don’t forget.”
The president of Rhode Island Pride, Joe Lazzerini, said that the bishop’s intolerance and hate is not welcome in their state.
“We woke up this morning and we saw the bishop’s tweet and were honestly flabbergasted,” Lazzerini said, according to The Boston Globe.
To make clarifications, Bishop Tobin released a statement, saying: “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.”
He added: “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.”
The bishop added: “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.”
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